Common Name:

General Information

Euonymus latifolius is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 2 - 5 metres tall[].
The plant procides a good quality wood and is a potential commercial source of latex for the temperate zone[]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Although Euonymus latifolius has been classed as Critically Endangered in Spain, no other assessments of threat have been documented for this species across its large distribution range. The plant is, therefore, classified globally as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

We have seen no specific reports of toxicity for this species, but there is a report in the Flora of the USSR Volume 14 that all parts of the plants in this genus are more or less poisonous[].

Botanical References

Range

Eurasia - Baltic to Spain, east to european Russia, the Caucasus, Turkey and the Levant. N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Hillsides in shrub, among bracken, and on wooded cliffs, most commonly in calcareous soils[]. Shady mountain forests, shrubby thickets, slopes, valleys and ravines.

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Euonymus latifolius is a very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c when fully dormant[].
Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[]. Best grown in an open arid habitat for the best production of Gutta Percha (see 'Uses notes' below)[].
A very ornamental plant, valued especially for its attractive autumnal foliage[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

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

The wood of this species is similar in quality ti the spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus). The following is a description of that wood:-
The yellowish wood whitens upon contact with air. Odoriferous when freshly cut, it is very hard, easily split, fine-grained, not durable[, , , ]. It turns very well and is commonly used for spindles, skewers, knitting needles, toothpicks, carving etc[, , , ].
A high quality charcoal is obtained from the wood, it is used by artists and also for making gunpowder[, , , ]. It is especially valued for drawing because it is easily erased without leaving a trace[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, so should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[]. The seed can take 18 months to germinate[]. 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, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].
Layering in mid summer. Takes 14 months[].