Euonymus alatus apterus
Regel.
Winged Spindle Tree
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MBG
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Description
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.
Edible Uses
Tea. 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.
Medicinal Uses
Anodyne Anthelmintic Antiphlogistic Astringent Blood tonic Carminative Emmenagogue. 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.
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.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
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.
Propagation
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.
Other Uses
Hedge Hedge. None known
