Also known as Eastern Euonymus · Evergreen Euonymus · Evergreen Japanese Spindle
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Japanese spindle tree (Euonymus japonicus) is an evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerance to coastal conditions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best color, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild temperatures; can tolerate light frost once established.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light
25% intensity
Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Mildly toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Japanese spindle trees moderately, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, especially during winter. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Prune Japanese spindle trees in late spring or early summer after flowering. This encourages denser growth and helps maintain desired shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Pruning can also be done lightly in autumn if needed.
Propagate Japanese spindle trees from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep them consistently moist and in a warm location until roots develop.
Repot young Japanese spindle trees every 2-3 years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, every 3-5 years. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Spindle Tree (Euonymus japonicus)
Where Japanese Spindle Tree (Euonymus japonicus) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
| Species | Euonymus japonicus |
Similar in genus Euonymus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
