Euonymus japonicus – Japanese Spindle
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
Explore Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Euonymus japonicus | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Japanese Spindle, Evergreen Spindle
Family: Celastraceae
Appearance: An evergreen shrub or small tree with dense branching, leathery glossy green leaves (often variegated in cultivars), and small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers. Produces pink to reddish capsules that split open to reveal bright orange seeds.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub layer
Root System: Fibrous, shallow to moderately deep root system
Height: 2–6 m
Width: 2–4 m
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Insects
Toxicity: Fruits and seeds toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal upset
Euonymus japonicus | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Japan, Korea, eastern China
Companionship: Neutral companion; commonly used in mixed hedges and ornamental plantings
Invasive Range: Naturalized and locally invasive in parts of the Mediterranean, North America, Australia, and New Zealand
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: High tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: High tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate; prefers well-drained soils
Soil Type: Adaptable; loam, clay, or sandy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline
Propagation
Seeds: Possible but slow and variable
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings root readily
Euonymus japonicus | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: Not edible
Medicinal: Not commonly used
Cosmetics: Not used
Animal Feed: Not suitable
Fiber: No
Timber: Not significant
Firewood: Limited use
Wind Break: Yes – effective as a dense hedge
Fence: Yes – widely used as a living fence or hedge
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Low
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Provides shelter; fruits consumed by birds
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