Additional notes (click to expand)

Other use

Euonymus americanus L. Celastraceae North America. Millspaugh (1974 ) reports that E. atropurpureus or Wahoo used by Native Americans as a laxative, for stomach upsets and secondary syphilis, coughs, colds and asthma; hepatic obstruction. Used to kill body lice. Toxic.
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

Phytochemistry

Active principle: (for Euonymus europaea and related species): all parts, especially fruits: evobioside, evomonoside and other cardenolides, evonine and several alkaloids.
Wink, M. (2009). Mode of Action and toxicology of plant toxins and poisonous plants. Mitt. Julius Kuhn-Inst. 421:93-111. p.99

Toxicity

Class 1b, Highly hazardous; cardiac glycosides inhibit Na+,K+-ATPase, irritation of GI tract, nausea, hallucinations, extensive vomiting, shock, hyperthermia, bloody diarrhoea, liver and kidney disturbance, arrhythmia, strong spasms, coma after 12 h, cardiac arrest.
Wink, M. (2009). Mode of Action and toxicology of plant toxins and poisonous plants. Mitt. Julius Kuhn-Inst. 421:93-111. p.99

Geographical distribution

  • Northern America, North-Central U.S.A.
  • Northern America, Northeastern U.S.A.
  • Northern America, South-Central U.S.A.
  • Northern America, Southeastern U.S.A.

Euonymus americanus L.

Family: CELASTRACEAE
Genus: Euonymus
Species: americanus L.
Common names: Bursting-heart; Hearts-bustin'-with-love; Strawberry-bush
Distribution summary: USA
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: H4 - Hardy; average winter
Habitat: Stream banks, deep river gorges, humis-rich soil, forest margins
Garden status: Not currently grown
Flowering months: June
Reason for growing: Other use, toxic


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