Japanese Spindle Tree
Euonymus japonicusfam. Celastraceae
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Pl. C131 — Euonymus japonicus
Euonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicusEuonymus japonicus
IOverview
Overview
Japanese Spindle Tree (Euonymus japonicus) is a shrub or small tree native to Japan, Korea, and the Nansei-shoto islands. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5 and 7.5. The plant can grow up to 4.5 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, which are often used in traditional Japanese cuisine. This species is also appreciated for its ornamental value due to its distinctive spindle-shaped berries that appear after the leaves have fallen, adding a striking visual interest during winter months.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Spindle Tree?
Japanese Spindle Tree (Euonymus japonicus) is a shrub or small tree native to Japan, Korea, and the Nansei-shoto islands. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5 and 7.5. The plant can grow up to 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese Spindle Tree (Euonymus japonicus) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils of medium texture, though it can tolerate light sandy or clayey conditions. It is hardy in zones 6-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. The plant requires moderate moisture but can withstand dry periods. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Edible leaves can be harvested, and the tree grows to a height of 4.5 meters, forming either a shrub or small tree. Ensure the soil pH is between 5 and 7.5 for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
4.5 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Spindle Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Japanese Spindle Tree to learn basic gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Japanese Spindle Tree, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees from a nursery pot to your garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry and prune in late winter or early spring for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape. Harvest leaves if needed for crafts, but not for eating.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:Hedgerowtextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 22 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 3 native· 22 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)PortugalUnited Kingdom
Asia13 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
introduced (11)CambodiaChinaLaosMyanmarPakistanPhilippinesTaiwanThailandTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
introduced:Hainan, Illinois, New Zealand North, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
4 related
See also
4 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Celastraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Celastraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c1315e3b-d1c2-4f39-9fd4-7f9693ddf940
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