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From
TreesPlease
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From
Buckingham Nurseries,
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The wood of the
spindle tree is bright, colourful and was used to make spindles. With this in
mind we can see why it came to embody creative inspiration, purification,
initiation and blessings.
From
Upon Reflection (also has info on Egyptian hieroglyphics, Ogham, Runes, Chinese
symbols, and chakras)
The sister to europos is the arrow wood in the
US. “Ornamental varieties are also
available for landscaping with green and variegated varieties common in
England. … Euonymus is associated with Euonyme, mother of the Furies, due to the
plant's irritating properties. It was employed by Native Americans for a number
of ailments. It was a popular diuretic drug during the 19th century.
Early in this century it was discovered to have digitalis-like effects.
The wood of E. europus was used to make ox-goads and another of its names - Prickwood
- was derived from its use as toothpicks.” From The Backyard Herbalist
It is in flower
from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The flowers
are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by
Insects.
From Plants for a Future
SPINDLE
TREE: (EUONYMOUS EUROPAEUS)
(irish oir - welsh piswydden - ogham OI)
Compiled by Gwylim O. Davis, Jr. (o’god) & formatted-published
by Kernos, 3/06
Contents
I.
Introduction
II.
Botanical & Scientific Description
III.
Practical & Non-herbal Uses
IV.
Herbal & Medicinal Uses
V.
Cultivation & Care
VI.
Spiritual & Psychic Significations
VII.
Euonymus alatus: In
the US A Weed in Sheep’s Clothing
I.
Introduction.
Well
this ogham plant stuff grows on one, especially this beautiful, practical, and
poisonous hermaphrodite. Another
plant whose varieties can become a serious weed problem when transported from
one continent to another (see Chapter VII.)
For
our ovate and ogham studies the sound or letters are OI, from the irish oir. It is the second of the last group of
five ogham characters, which according to my readings were added to the
original ogham because it didn’t seem to have enough sounds. So I think of it as one of the ogham 5
royal figures, not just some common old letters.
As
you will read in the section on spiritual and psychic significations, at the
Faerie Magick and Lady Elaine’s web sites, this plant seems to have particular
significance for poor old me trying to finish up my ovate work. Of course I love this dear plants
second signification – and I also imagine my tutoresses and the powers that be
won’t particularly like me learning about this ogham plant for that reason. Although, the third aspect would seem
to put me in my place pretty well.
All I can say is – “Oi!”
Now all I gotta wait for is the greatest happiness part, I guess:
·
Physical: Fulfil your obligations, not for reward but
because you must, honour demands it and the greatest happiness will be yours.
·
Mental: Sudden realization gives you the right and
obligation to question authority.
·
Spiritual: Develop your consciousness of the right
relationship with others in the community and tribe.
As
a summary introduction, for those who don’t have time for all the details
provided below, I like the following bit of description:
The
Spindle Tree found in our hedges and copses is a smooth-leaved shrub. The
leaves have very short stalks, are opposite in pairs and have minute teeth on
the margin. It bears small greenish-white flowers, in loose clusters, during
May and June, followed by an abundance of fruits. The fruit is three or more
lobed, and becomes a beautiful rose-red colour; it bursts when ripe, disclosing
ruddy-orange-coloured seeds, which are wrapped in a scarlet arillus. This
yields a good yellow dye when boiled in water, and a green one with the
addition of alum, but these dyes are fugitive. The berries attract children,
but are harmful, for they are strongly emetic and purgative: they have proved
fatal to sheep. The bark, leaves and fruit are all injurious, and no animal but
the goat will browse upon them.
The Latin
name for Spindle is Fusus,
and by some of the old writers this plant is called Fusanum and the Fusoria. By
the Italians it is still called Fusano. The fruit is given three or four as a
dose, as a purgative in rural districts; and the decoction, adding some
vinegar, is used as a lotion for mange in horses and cattle. In allusion to the
actively irritating properties of the shrub, its name Euonymus is associated with that of Euonyme, the
mother of the Furies. In old herbals it is called Skewerwood or prickwood (the
latter from its employment as toothpicks), and gatter, gatten, or gadrose. Chaucer, in one of his poems, calls it gaitre.
Prior
says:
Gatter is from the Anglo-Saxon words, gad (a goad) and treow (a tree); gatten is made up of gad again and tan (a twig); and gadrise is from gad and hris (a rod).'
The
same hardness that fitted it for skewers, spindles, etc., made it useful for
the ox-goad.
Turner
apparently christened the tree Spindle Tree. He says:
'I
coulde never learne an Englishe name for it. The Duche men call it in
Netherlande, spilboome,
that is, spindel-tree, because they use to make spindels of it in that country,
and me thynke it may be as well named in English seying we have no other name.
. . . I know no goode propertie that this tree hath, saving only it is good to
make spindels and brid of cages (bird-cages).'
The
wood, which is of a light yellow hue, strong, compact and easily worked,
fulfils many uses. On the Continent it is used for making pipe-stems, and an
excellent charcoal is made from the young shoots, which artists approve for its
smoothness, and the ease with which it can be erased. It is also employed in
the making of gunpowder.
From A Modern Herbal, Botanica.com
So the lesson from
studying this plant is: for every action
there is an equal and opposite reaction, or things change from positive to
negative, and so on. I think that
goes with the description of the plant as having hermaphrodite flowers. Anyway, that is it for any insights
into this tree – since I don’t think I have ever seen one since they don’t
appear to grow here in the western United States.
II.
Botanical
& Scientific Description.
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European Spindle foliage
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From Wikipedia
Common on
chalky and limestone soils. Grey, smooth bark and small greeny flowers in
summer that give way to pink fruits which, in turn, split to reveal an orange
seed. Leaves turn red in autumn. Food plant of the Holly Blue butterfly. The
tree has also been known as Prickwood, Skewerwood (due to being made into
toothpicks) and Pincushion Shrub. The name euonymous associates the plant with
Euonyme, who was the Mother of the Fairies. It is a favourite tree of robins,
so much so that it is also known as Robins' bread.
From
The English Cottage Garden Nursery
The spindles, genus Euonymus, comprise
about 170-180 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees. They have a wide
distribution in Europe,
Asia, Australasia,
North
America and Madagascar.
Mature Spindle fruit,
after splitting open to reveal the seeds
The leaves are opposite (rarely alternate)
and simple ovoid, typically 2-15 cm long, and usually with a finely serrated
margin. The flowers
are small, usually greenish white and inconspicuous.
The fruit is a pink-red
four- or five- valved pod-like berry, which splits open to reveal the
fleshy-coated orange seeds.
The seeds are eaten by frugivorous birds, which digest the fleshy seed coat and disperse the seeds
in their droppings. All parts of the plants are poisonous to humans if eaten.
Selected species
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From Wikipedia
DESCRIPTION: This group consists of 170 evergreen and
deciduous shrubs, small trees, creepers and climbers. Euonymus (Spindletree)
are found wild throughout North and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and
Australia. These plants make great hedges, edging, and ground covers. The
deciduous varieties are valued for their vividly colored fruits and gorgeous
autumn colors. The evergreen types are valued for their handsome foliage, which
is usually multicolored, as well as their tolerance to the salty sprays and
winds of coastal regions. Spindle Trees produce their insignificant flowers in
the spring or early summer. They are normally green or purplish and are
followed, in mid-summer, by dazzling fruits, which open to reveal equally
attractive seeds. Sometimes the fruit, seeds, and aril will all be contrasting
colors. E. alatus (Winged Euonymus; Burning Bush) is a gorgeous, deciduous,
medium-sized shrub that is one of the best for its autumn foliage, which turns
bright crimson. The reddish-purple fruits open to reveal bright orange-colored
seeds. E. fortunei var. Emerald 'n' Gold is an attractive, compact, dwarf shrub
with dark green leaves edged with a wide band of brilliant gold. In the winter,
this golden band turns creamy white stained with pink. If provided with
support, this variety will climb. E. fortunei var. Silver Queen is another
pretty, small-sized shrub, although it can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet
against a wall. In the spring, the leaves unfurl with a pale yellow color,
eventually turning green with a wide, white edge. Occasionally, this shrub will
produce light green flowers that are followed by pink fruits. E. grandiflorus
is a slow-growing semi-evergreen shrub that can grow up to 13 feet high. It
produces large, yellow flowers and yellow fruits with scarlet seeds. The
foliage turns wine-purple in the autumn. E. latifolius (Broadleaf Euonymus) is
a deciduous plant that ranges in height from 11 to 16 feet. It has large,
scarlet fruits and vivid autumn foliage.
From Botany.com
E. europaeus’ american sister plant is worthy of note,
the Arrow Wood:
An
attractive perennial to about 6 feet or taller with smooth ash-brown bark
and small dark purplish flowers and purple tinged leaves with
serrated edges native to the eastern United States.
ARROW
WOOD (Euonymous atropurpurea).
aka Bitter Ash, Bonnet-de-pretre (Fr), Burning bush, Dogwood, Fusain
(Fr), Fusanum, Fusoria, Gadrose, Gatten, Gatter, Indian Arrowood, Pigwood,
Pegwood, Prickwood, Skewerwood, Spindelbaume (Ger), Spindle tree, Wahoo. Also: (E. europaeus) and (E. americanus.)
also has a recipe for healthy French fries/chips
using olive oil (http://earthnotes.tripod.com/potatoes.htm)
III.
Practical
& Non-herbal Uses.
Fall foliage of Winged Spindle (Euonymus
alatus)
The wood was
traditionally used for the making of spindles for spinning wool; this use is the
origin of the English name of the shrubs. … Spindles are popular garden shrubs,
grown for their foliage, the deciduous species often exhibiting very bright red
fall colours, and also for the decorative berries.
A variegated
cultivar of Euonymus fortunei
From Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euonymus
Was traditionally used in spindles for looms. Charcoal was made from the young shoots and also used in making gunpowder. Pegs have also been made from the wood. The fruits (which are poisonous) yield a yellow dye when boiled in water, or green if boiled in alum.
From The English
Cottage Garden Nursery
The wood of E.
europus was used to make
ox-goads and another of its names - Prickwood - was derived from its use as
toothpicks. It was used by the Dutch to make spindles and by others to make
bird cages and pipe-stems. An artist's charcoal was made from the young stems
and it was also employed in the making of gunpowder.
Summary of Other Uses from Plants For A Future:
Charcoal; Dye; Insecticide; Latex; Oil; Parasiticide; Wood.
The whole plant yields a volatile oil that is used in soap making[13, 46]. Other reports say that the oil is obtained from the seed[46, 61, 103, 115]. It is possible that there are two oils, an essential oil from the plant and an oil from the seed[K]. A good yellow dye is obtained from the fleshy coating around the seeds[4]. This becomes green with the addition of alum, but unfortunately both colours are rather fugitive[4]. The baked and powdered berries are used to remove lice from the hair[6, 19, 66], they are also used as an insecticide[15]. The leaves are used[115]. Roots yield up to 4% gutta-percha, a non elastic rubber used as an electrical insulation and for making plastics[74]. Wood - very hard, easily split, fine-grained, not durable[4, 6, 13, 46]. Used for spindles, skewers, knitting needles, toothpicks, carving etc[6, 100, 103]. A high quality charcoal is obtained from the wood, it is used by artists[46, 74, 103, 115].
From Plants for a Future
European Spindletree
(Euonymus europaeus LINN.)
---Synonyms---Fusanum. Fusoria. Skewerwood. Prickwood. Gatter.
Gatten. Gadrose. Pigwood. Dogwood. Indian Arrowroot. Burning Bush. Wahoo.
(French) Fusain. Bonnet-de-prêtre.
(German) Spindelbaume.
---Parts Used---Root, bark, berries.
From A Modern Herbal, Botanica.com
CONTAINS: Bitter
principle, a resin (euonymin), euonic acid, a crystalline glucoside, asparagin,
resins, fat, dulcitol, culvitol and 14% ash, plus some resins.
“ALL PARTS, especially the fruits and
seeds, are POISONOUS.
This herb is NOT recommended for home use.
Leaves and fruit can cause various symptoms of poisoning.”
From The Backyard Herbalist
Decoction of the fruit has been used to treat mange in horses and cattle. Contains a resin called euonymin, which stimulates appetite and the liver. The baked fruits were powdered and rubbed into hair as a remedy for headlice.
From
The English Cottage Garden Nursery
From the online Modern
Herbal we get this discussion of its medicinal use:
---Constituents---Little is definitely known of the chemical constituents of Euonymus Bark. Its chief constituent is a nearly colourless intensely bitter principle, a resin called Euonymin. There are also present euonic acid, a crystalline glucoside, asparagin, resins, fat, dulcitol, and 14 per cent of ash.
Commercial Euonymin is a powdered extract.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic, alterative, cholagogue, laxative and hepatic stimulant.
In small doses, Euonymin stimulates the appetite and the flow of the gastric juice. In larger doses, it is irritant to the intestine and is cathartic. It has slight diuretic and expectorant effects, but its only use is as a purgative in cases of constipation in which the liver is disordered, and for which it is particularly efficacious. It is specially valuable in liver disorders which follow or accompany fever. It is mildly aperient and causes no nausea, at the same time stimulating the liver somewhat freely, and promoting a free flow of bile.
To make the decoction, add an ounce to a pint of water and boil together slowly. A small wineglassful to be given, when cold, for a dose, two or three times a day.
Of the tincture made with spirit from the bark, 5 to 10 drops may be taken in water or on sugar.
Euonymin is generally given in pill form and in combination with other tonics, laxatives, etc.
---Preparations---Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Powdered extract, B.P. and U.S.P., 2 grains. Euonymin, 1 to 4 grains.
---Other Species---The green leaves of one species of Euonymus are said to be eaten by the Arabs to produce watchfulness, and a sprig of it is believed to be - to the person who carries it - a protection from plague. Another species is said to inflict painful wounds.
---Parts Used---The variety of Spindle Tree (Euonymus atropurpureus), common in the eastern United States, is known there as Wahoo, Burning Bush, or Indian Arrowwood. This is the kind generally used in medicine.
It is a shrub about 6 feet high, with a smooth ash-coloured bark, and has small dark purple flowers and leaves purple-tinged at the serrated edges.
Wahoo bark, as it is called commercially, is the dried root-bark of this species.
The root-bark is alone official, but the stem-bark is also collected and used as a substitute.
The root-bark, when dried, is in quilled or curved pieces, 1/12 to 1/6 inch thick, ash-grey, with blackish ridges or patches, outer surface whitish, or slightly tawny and quite smooth. Fracture friable, smooth, whitish, the inner layer appearing tangentially striated. The taste is sweetish, bitter and acrid. It has a very faint, characteristic odour, resembling liquorice.
The stem-bark is in longer quills, with a smooth outer surface, with lichens usually present on it, and a greenish layer under the epidermis.
From A Modern Herbal, Botanica.com
Alterative; Cholagogue; Hepatic; Laxative; Purgative; Stimulant; Tonic.
The bark is alterative, cholagogue, hepatic,
laxative, stimulant and tonic[4, 7]. The root bark is the part normally used,
though bark from the stems is sometimes employed as a substitute[4]. In small
doses it stimulates the appetite, in larger doses it irritates the
intestines[4]. The bark is especially useful in the treatment of liver
disorders which follow or accompany fevers[4]. The seeds are strongly emetic
and purgative[4]. The fresh leaves, and the dried fruit and seeds, are used
externally to treat scabies, lice (head, body or pubic), ticks and other skin
parasites[268].
From Plants for a Future
The
sister to the European version in the US, the Arrow Wood “…was employed by
Native Americans for a number of ailments. It was a popular diuretic drug
during the 19th century. Early in this century it was discovered to have digitalis-like
effects.”
From The Backyard Herbalist http://earthnotes.tripod.com/arrowwood.htm
Euonymous
europaeus: … Known commonly as Lousewood and deriving
that name from the practice of baking, powdering and sprinkling the fruits on
the heads of children with lice. The berries are emetic and purgative
and have proved fatal to sheep.
The American variety E. atropurpurea is the medicinal variety, but in folk medicine E. europus has been used as well. Three or 4 berries
were taken as a purgative.
Also, a decoction made with the addition of vinegar was used for mange in
horses and cattle.
Euonymous
americanus:
Was used in much the same
manner as E. atropurpurea.
The root tea was used for uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood,
stomachaches, painful urination, and a wash for swellings. The tea has also
been used for malaria, indigestion, liver congestion, constipation, lung
afflictions. The powdered bark applied to the scalp was believed to
eliminate dandruff.
How to use the
Spindle Tree is described as follows:
HARVEST:
The root and stem
barks are usually harvested from wild stock in the autumn and dried. The root
bark is dried in quilled pieces 1/12th to 1/6th inch thick. There is a very
faint licorice-type odor.
SOLVENT: Water and alcohol.
There is an
excellent and detailed set of instructions on how to collect, prepare, store
and use herbs and plants at the Backyard Herbalist at
Plant in any soil, sun or partial shade. Do not plant in farm hedges where beet and bean crops are growing as Spindle is the host plant for beet and bean aphids.
From The English Cottage Garden Nursery
PROPAGATION:
Ripe seed should be
sown in fall (requires stratification and is viable for 2 years); by semi-ripe
cuttings in late summer. It is easily propagated by inserting the tips of
branches about 3 inches in length into sandy soil in autumn or late summer and
keeping them damp.
NEEDS: Well-drained soil
in sun or part shade. Thin out shoots in late winter to maintain shape. Common
pests are aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
---Cultivation---It is found in woods and hedgerows. The green and variegated Spindle Trees are familiar in British gardens. They all grow freely in any kind of soil, and are easily increased by inserting the ripened tips of the branches, about 3 inches long, into a fine, sandy loam in autumn, keeping them damp and fresh with a frequent spraying overhead. A species from South Europe and another from Japan are cultivated.
From
A Modern Herbal, Botanica.com
POTTING: Spindle trees can be grown in almost any soil. They are tolerant of dry, shallow, alkaline soil and dry, shady areas. However, even though they are tolerant of all this, the deciduous species put on the best autumn display in sun. These plants also grow well near paths and other busy areas where the soil is compacted. Pruning consists of simply cutting away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Any shoots on a variegated plant that have reverted to green should be removed immediately to prevent the entire plant from turning plain green. Euonymus are susceptible to a variety of pests such as spider mites and thrips, but particularly scale. There are several different types of scale that attack Euonymus, but the worst is Euonymus scale. This pest can severely stunt the growth of a plant and even kill it. The whitish male clusters are found on the leaves and new shoots, while the brownish female clusters are found on more mature wood. Scales can be fatal to varieties of E. fortunei, E. europaeus and E. hamiltonianus. (Look up Scale as well as Spider mites and Thrips in the Index of Pests and Diseases to find ways to control and/or prevent these nuisances.)
PROPAGATION: Most of the deciduous kinds can be increased by sowing seeds in sandy soil in a cold frame in the fall. They can also be increased by taking cuttings and layering branches outside in September or by detaching suckers. The evergreen kinds are increased by cuttings inserted in a propagating case in a greenhouse in late summer or early fall. Low-growing kinds can be increased by division in the spring as well as by cuttings.
VARIETIES: E. alatus (Winged Euonymus; Burning Bush) & var. compactus; E. europaeus (European Spindletree) & var. albus, Red Cascade; E. fortunei (Winter Creeper) & var. Canadale Gold, Coloratus, Dart's Blanket, Emerald Gaiety, Emerald 'n' Gold, Gold Tip, Harlequin, Kewensis, Silver Pillar, Silver Queen, Sunspot, Variegatus; E. grandiflorus; E. hamiltonianus & var. Coral Charm, Coral Chief, sieboldianus; E. japonicus (Japanese Euonymus) & var. Duc d'Anjou, Latifolius Albomarginatus, Marieke, Microphyllus Aureus, Microphyllus Variegatus, Ovatus Aureus; E. latifolius (Broadleaf Euonymus); E. nanus & var. turkestanicus; E. oxyphyllus; E. phellomanus; E. planipes; E. americanus (Strawberry Bush); E. atropurpureus (Wahoo).
From
Botany.com
Cultivation details from Plants For A Future:
An easily grown plant, it thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, and is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[200]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[1]. If cultivated for its latex it is best grown in a dry open position[74]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[184]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[11]. This species is often damaged by caterpillars during the flowering season[11]. It is a favoured home for blackfly, so should not be grown near broad beans[121].
Propogation details from Plants For A Future:
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 8 - 12 weeks warm followed by 8 - 16 weeks cold stratification and can then be sown in a cold frame[98]. 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. One report says that the seed can be sown in an outdoors seedbed in early spring with good results[78]. Grow the seedlings on for two years in the seedbed before planting them out into their permanent positions. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy[78]. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame[113]. Layering in July/August. Takes 14 months[78].
Use of Cultivars:
There are some
named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their
ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require
the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally
recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have,
therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].
From Plants for a Future
VI.
Spiritual
& Psychic Qualities.
As was described in
the introductory paragraphs, “Euonymus is associated with Euonyme, mother of
the Furies, due to the plant's irritating properties.”
Oir
- Spindle
Month- None
Color- White
Class- Peasant
Letter- TH, OI
Meaning- Finish obligations and tasks or your life cannot move forward.
From
Faerie Magick
http://www.freewebs.com/faeriemagickoftheshire/oakashandthorn.htm
Oir
/ Spindle - The
hard wood of the Spindle was used in the making of pegs, bobbins and spindles.
It is a small and delicate tree with smooth grey bark and tiny white flowers.
Deeply lobed brought crimson fruits appear in Autumn. Spindle indicates honour
of tribe, community and the sweetness and delight of a sudden revelation.
·
Physical:
Fulfil your
obligations, not for reward but because you must, honour demands it and the
greatest happiness will be yours.
·
Mental:
Sudden
realization gives you the right and obligation to question authority.
·
Spiritual:
Develop your consciousness
of the right relationship with others in the community and tribe.
From Lady Elaine’s Place http://groups.msn.com/LadyElainesPlace/theogham.msnw
VII.
Euonymus
alatus
– A Weed in Sheep’s Clothing.
Weed
Alert!
Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold
(burning bush, winged
euonymus, winged wahoo, winged spindle-tree, Japanese spindle-tree)
Summary:
known invaders sighted in new areas
Euonymus alatus was
introduced into the USA from northeastern Asia around 1860 for use as an
ornamental shrub. The bright red fall foliage of E. alatus makes this shrub a popular ornamental
planting, and it is commonly planted along interstate highways, as hedges, and
in foundation plantings. While it behaves well in urban areas, E. alatus planted near woodlands, mature
second-growth forests, and pastures can be problematic. It has been observed
escaping from cultivation in the northeast and midwest, notably in Connecticut
[11], Virginia [6, 9, 10], Pennsylvania [5], and Illinois [1, 3, 8]. E.
alatus is a threat to
woodland areas, fields, and coastal scrubland because it outcompetes native
species.
Description:
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Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (Celastraceae--the
staff-tree family) is a deciduous shrub. E. alatus is slow growing but can reach 4.6-6.1
meters in height (and width). The bark is gray-brown and the stems have
prominent, corky wings running along both sides. In some cultivars, these wings
can be greatly reduced to mere ridges. The leaf-buds are brownish-green, and
strongly divergent. The leaves are opposite, elliptic, and measure 2.5-7.6 cm
long and 1.3-3.2 cm wide with fine, sharp serrations on the margin. In autumn
the dark green leaves turn a brilliant purplish red to scarlet color before
dropping to the ground. In Pennsylvania the flowers bloom in late April to late
June. The flowers are small, yellowish green in color and inconspicuous. The
smooth, purplish fruit are 1.3 cm long and are present in September through
October. Each fruit contains approximately four red to orange seeds.
Scientific
and Common Names:
The common name, "winged euonymus", is derived from the corky wings
along the stem. The name "burning bush" is from the fall color of the
leaves. Euonymus,
roughly translated, comes from the Greek meaning "good name" or
"of good repute." The species name, alatus, is in reference to the prominent corky
wings on the stems of the shrub. Synonyms for E. alatus include "Celastrus alata Thunb.", "Celastrus striata Thunb.", and "Euonymus
striata (Thunb.)
Loes.".
Impacts:
This new invader is becoming increasingly common in Connecticut, Virginia,
Pennsylvania, and Illinois. It has been observed making dense thickets in
Pennsylvania [5]. These thickets can shade out native herbs and crowd out
native shrubs. Euonymus alatus also has the following characteristics:
1)E. alatus is
adaptable to various environmental conditions; it grows well in different soil
types and pH levels, has no serious pest problems in North America, and most
importantly of all is tolerant of full shade.
2)Spectacular fall foliage makes it a popular landscape ornamental. Wide usage
of this plant increases th