Practical
Plants

Euonymus latifolius

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
3 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

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.

Material uses

The root contains about 4% Gutta Percha, this is a non-elastic rubber that is used for making plastics, as an insulation for electric cables etc[7].

Product or use
Latex

Environment

Range
Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat
Shady mountain forests, shrubby thickets, slopes, valleys and ravines.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[4]. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, so should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[3]. The seed can take 18 months to germinate[7]. 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 - 7cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy[6]. Layering in July/August. Takes 14 months[8].

Cultivation

Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[6]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[2]. Best grown in an open arid habitat for the best production of Gutta Percha (see 'Uses notes' below)[7]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -20°c[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

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  4. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 3. 1981 - 1982. Royal Horticultural Society 1981-00-00

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  5. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

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  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  7. Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

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