Japanese Spindle Tree, Box-leaf Euonymus, Evergreen Euonymus, Japanese Euonymus

Euonymus japonicus

Physical Characteristics

Euonymus japonicus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan. Locally naturalized in S. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Colouring Young leaves - boiled[2, 177, 183]. The old leaves are powdered and used to colour food[105, 177, 183]. These reports should be treated with some caution due to the report of toxicity - see above.

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Diuretic Tonic Women's complaints The stem bark is antirheumatic, diuretic and tonic[218]. The leaf is used in cases of difficult delivery[218].

Known Hazards

The seed is probably poisonous, other parts of the plant may also be poisonous[65].