Winged Spindle Tree
Euonymus alatus apterus
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
Euonymus alatus apterus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Thickets and woods in lowland and mountains all over Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves, boiled. The fruit may be edible. No further details. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. These reports of edibility should be treated with some caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The flowers are a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Anodyne, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, astringent. The stem and branches are alterative, analgesic, anthelmintic, anticoagulant, antipruritic, blood tonic, carminative, emmenagogue and purgative. A decoction is used in the treatment of 'cold' headache, general body aches, pruritis, irregular menstruation and other gynaecological diseases. Plants contain the anticancer compound dulcitol.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Other
Rating:
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Thrives in almost any well-drained soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. A very ornamental plant.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 8 - 12 weeks warm followed by 8 - 16 weeks cold stratification and can then be sown in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, a number of plants in this genus are suspected of being poisonous and so some caution is advised.