Common Name:

General Information

Euonymus verrucosus is a densely-branched deciduous shrub with a rounded habit; it can grow up to 3 metres tall. The bark is remarkably warted[].
The plant is, or has been, cultivated in Russia for the latex produced in its roots[, ].
Euonymus verrucosus is a widespread species with a large extent of occurrence. The plant is classified 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 - eastern Russia to Italy, east to the Caucasus, Turkey and Iran. Also in northern China.

Habitat

Broad-leaved and coniferous forests, occasionally in swampy ground, usually by rivers and ravines[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Euonymus verrucosus is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant[].
Thriving in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[].
The Gutta Percha is produced most abundantly when the plants are grown in an open, more arid environment[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The root contains 7 - 15% Gutta Percha, this is a non-elastic latex that is used in making plastics and insulation for electricity wires etc[].

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[].