Winged Spindle Tree, Burningbush, Corky spindletree

Euonymus alatus

Physical Characteristics

Euonymus alatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves, boiled[105, 177]. The fruit may be edible[105, 177]. No further details are given, though we would recommend caution in eating any member of this genus[K]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200]. The seed contains 20.5% protein, 44.4% fat and 3.9% ash[218]. These reports of edibility should be treated with some caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The flowers are a tea substitute[178, 218].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Anthelmintic Antiphlogistic Antipruritic Astringent Blood tonic Cancer Carminative Emmenagogue Hypoglycaemic The stem and branches are alterative, analgesic, anodyne, anthelmintic, anticoagulant, antiphlogistic, antipruritic, astringent blood tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, hypoglycaemic, and purgative[147, 178, 218, 279]. It is used in Korea to treat intestinal worms, suppressed menstruation and cancer[279]. A decoction is used in China in the treatment of 'cold' headache, general body aches, pruritis, irregular menstruation and other gynaecological diseases[147]. Plants contain the anticancer compound dulcitol[218].

Known Hazards

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.