Wild and decorative warty euonymus: the benefits and harms of the plant
Content
Description and characteristics of the plant
The plant belongs to the category of centenarians, because it grows in the same place up to 45 years. By the time of full growth, the height of the culture can reach 5 m. The name of the euonymus is associated with its peculiarity to become covered with tubercles, similar to warts. The shrub is also called bruslin, bruzhmel, bruslen.
Under natural conditions, the plant grows in the forests of Eurasia. The description of the appearance of the culture is rather trite. Young sprigs of euonymus have a uniform texture and a greenish tint. The old ones acquire a brownish color and become covered with a kind of "warts".
The foliage of the bush has a pale green color, a slightly pointed shape and reaches 7-9 cm in length. By September, the leaves acquire bright shades of pink and orange, which remain on the branches until frost.
The flowering period falls in May-June. At this time, the shrub, crowned with many unusual flowers, especially stands out against the background of the garden.
The characteristic features of the culture are:
- The presence of so-called warts on the branches. They perform a nutritional function, as they have a porous structure. It is through the “pores” that the plant receives oxygen.
- Aroma during flowering. The flowers of the warty euonymus have a specific "mouse" smell.
- The structure of fruit bolls. They are arranged in such a way that, after ripening, the seeds do not fall, as they are held by the brightly colored seedlings.
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Useful and medicinal properties of fruits
Euonymus fruits have a lot of useful microelements:
- glycosides;
- carbohydrates;
- pectin;
- organic acids;
- vitamin C;
- alkaloids;
- tannins;
- steroids;
- flavonoids;
- anthraglycosides.
This is due to the positive effect that fruits have on the body:
- Calms the nervous system. In addition, decoctions and tinctures based on bush fruits relieve headaches, relax.
- They improve the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Help with constipation, dysbiosis.
- They have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Prescribed for the treatment of hypertension.
- Increases potency.
- Respiratory diseases are treated, including bronchitis, sore throat.
Contraindications and warnings
Euonymus is a poisonous shrub. All parts of the plant are poisoned, but the maximum concentration of poisons is in the berries. Decoctions and tinctures based on these fruits should be used only in cases of extreme necessity. The same applies to medicines that include euonymus.
Berries are categorically contraindicated:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- children;
- people who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
In case of excessive consumption of berries, the following consequences are possible:
- nausea and severe vomiting;
- heart rhythm problems;
- malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea;
- fever, convulsions.
These symptoms indicate serious poisoning, therefore, the victim should be shown to a doctor immediately. Before the arrival of doctors, it is recommended to provide first aid. It consists in washing the stomach, taking sorbing drugs.
Planting and caring for warty euonymus
Many gardeners, wanting to decorate their summer cottage with an unusual plant, acquire euonymus. The shrub takes root rather quickly and does not require special attention to itself. However, some growing rules should not be neglected.
Landing time and place
The best time for replanting shrubs in open ground is the beginning of spring. Autumn is not a suitable period for this, as young roots can simply freeze out in the cold soil.
A slightly darkened area will be the best place to plant a crop. In the open sun, euonymus leaves will receive severe burns, which can cause the plant to wither. When choosing a soil, you should give preference to neutral.
Landing rules
Having decided on the landing site, you can proceed directly to the procedure itself. In this case, it is important to follow the algorithm:
- The size of the recess for the shrub should be twice the size of the root system.
- It is imperative to lay a thick layer of drainage in the hole. It is thanks to him that excess moisture will not accumulate in the soil.
- The substrate for filling the groove can be prepared with your own hands: compost, sod, leafy soil, sand. In this case, the turf should be 3 parts, and the remaining components - 1 each.
- In the event that the soil is too acidic, use lime.
- A small mound is made at the bottom of the recess and slightly moistened with water.
- After the seedling is placed in the hole, the roots must be gently spread over the entire hole.
- After that, the earth needs to be lightly tamped and moistened abundantly.
- The near-stem area should be mulched.
Watering and feeding
It is recommended to water the plant as soon as the topsoil dries up. Experienced gardeners recommend deep watering. At the same time, the frequency of procedures is significantly reduced.
Euonymus prefers moderate feeding. The best option would be mineral complexes, which are introduced in early spring and early autumn.
Loosening and mulching the soil
An important maintenance procedure is soil loosening. It is recommended to carry out the event no more than 4 times during the entire growing season. It is necessary to loosen the soil very carefully so as not to injure the roots of the bush.
The culture quickly adapts to changing weather and easily tolerates frosts. However, by the onset of winter, the plant still needs to be insulated.
Natural materials are used as mulch: peat, sawdust, dry foliage and grass.
Pruning
Pruning is done infrequently. In early spring, it is recommended to carry out sanitary pruning, during which all damaged, weak branches will be removed. With the onset of September, many summer residents do pruning to create the necessary crown shape.
Preparing for winter
Young shrubs up to 3 years old should be covered with coniferous branches or fallen leaves for the winter. Adult plants can easily tolerate frost even without shelter. However, in order to be completely sure of the safe wintering of a garden pet, you can mulch the trunk circle. For this, peat or sawdust is used.
Diseases and pests
The main symptoms of a plant having a disease are:
- Dull color of leaves. This indicates an excess amount of sunlight.
- Yellowish foliage.Indicates the processes of decay of the root system.
- Curling the tips of the leaves. This is a symptom of too dry air.
The most common pests of euonymus are:
- spider mite;
- flat tick;
- shield;
- false shield;
- mealybug;
- aphid;
- caterpillars.
Use of warty euonymus
Despite its toxicity, the shrub is used not only in landscape design. The plant is actively used in industry and folk medicine.
In folk medicine
The rich chemical composition of the shrub led to the active use of its individual parts in folk medicine. Various decoctions and tinctures are prepared from the bark, leaves, flowers and fruits of the euonymus. They help with migraines, diseases of the cardiovascular system, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the culture is often used as a laxative.
Before using individual parts of the shrub as a medicine, you should consult your doctor. Otherwise, there is a high risk of undesirable consequences.
Industrial application
At the beginning of the 20th century, a gutta was found in the bark of a spindle tree. This is a mass that resembles rubber in appearance and properties. Thus, after some time, rubber began to be produced from the bush. Since at that time there were no synthetic materials yet, electrical insulating materials were created from the resulting substance.
In addition, the culture was actively used in the production of all kinds of materials for the shoe industry.
In landscape design
The plant is quite in demand in the field of landscape design. With its help, summer residents create original hedges, decorate garden compositions. During the flowering period, the barlin becomes unusually beautiful due to the many flowers of the original shape.
Euonymus is a common ornamental shrub that many gardeners plant on their plots. It is undemanding to care for, so it will not create a lot of trouble for the gardener. However, when acquiring a seedling of such a plant, it is worth remembering its toxicity. Death from the use of berries will not occur, but the symptoms of severe poisoning will not be long in coming.