Euonymus oxyphyllus

Miq.

Celastraceae Edible: Leaves, Caution Potential hazards — see below 260 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Euonymus oxyphyllus, the Korean spindle tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to central and eastern China (including Taiwan), Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the Kurils. It is a shrub or small tree typically reaching 2.5 m (8 ft). The Royal Horticultural Society considers it to be a good tree for smaller gardens, especially for its colorful Autumn foliage and fruits.

Description

A deciduous tree. It grows 6 m high. It is often only 2.4 m high and 2.4 m wide. The leaves are dull green and oval. The tips are pointed and there are teeth along the edge which are turned inwards. The leaves turn purple-red in autumn. The flowers are greenish-brown. The fruit is dark red and round. They have 4 or 5 ribs. The seeds are bright red.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten after boiling. Some caution is advised given the possible toxicity associated with this genus.

Traditional Uses

Caution:

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used in gynaecological applications.

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

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows between sea level to 2,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,

Cultivation

Thriving in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -25°c. A slow growing plant, though it makes a large shrub in time.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months of cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible; seed can take 18 months to germinate. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5–7cm long, taken at a node or with a heel, root very easily in July or August in a frame.

Other Uses

The wood is hard, elastic, and very fine-grained. It is used for stamps, printing blocks, and mosaics.

Notes

There are about 175 Euonymus species.

References (3)

Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 2:86. 1865
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 314
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/