Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hamilton's spindletree
BeginnerEuonymus hamiltonianus
A deciduous spindletree whose square, pale pink fruits hang in clusters in autumn and split into four to reveal red-coated seeds. Good autumn colour too. Male and female flowers are on separate plants, so a male tree ensures fruit.
About
Mayumi (Euonymus hamiltonianus) is a deciduous spindletree native to hills and forest edges throughout Japan except Okinawa, and also to Korea, China and Taiwan. Its supple wood was used for bows as far back as the Jomon period, which gave it its name ('true bow'). In May–June it bears inconspicuous pale green flowers about 1 cm across, and in October–November square pale pink fruits hang in clusters. When ripe they split into four to reveal seeds wrapped in a deep red aril—the main attraction—along with autumn colour. The seeds are toxic, so do not eat them. Male and female flowers are on separate plants, so a male pollinator is the reliable way to get fruit (self-fruiting 'issai' forms exist). It loves water and fertilizer, and heavy fruiting every year weakens it, so bonsai growers rest trees every other year or so. It is often labelled with the old name Euonymus sieboldianus, which refers to the same species. Cultivars include the large red-fruited 'Hyakumangoku' and the white-fruited shiromi-no-mayumi. Tough and easy, it is widely sold by bonsai shops as a fruiting bonsai.
Size of the Hamilton's spindletree
The Hamilton's spindletree grows to Usually about 3 m, occasionally up to 15 m.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (except Okinawa), Korea, China and Taiwan
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Usually about 3 m, occasionally up to 15 m
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (late Feb–early March, then April–August after fruit set; stop from September)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
A forest-edge tree suited to part shade. Shade it from afternoon sun in summer, then give full sun from September for autumn colour and fruit
Watering
Very thirsty: twice daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 times in summer, every 2 days in winter. Uptake slows after mid-July, so check dryness. Keep water off flowers
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy, but its sappy wood is prone to winter dieback and frozen roots—protect it in a cold frame after leaf fall
Soil & repotting
Roots fill the pot within a year. Repot in mid-March or September: yearly for young trees, every 1–2 years for mature ones
Fertilizer
Feed fruiting trees generously, adding bone meal to oilcake for phosphorus. Stop in September so the fruit colours
Pruning & styling
Leave vigorous shoots for a while to build up short fruiting spurs, then cut them in early August to early September. Little fine pinching is needed
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, lace bugs, scale and leaf rollers. Keep a male tree for pollination; fruiting every year weakens the tree. Seeds are toxic
Hamilton's spindletree FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Hamilton's spindletree?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Hamilton's spindletree get?
The mature size of Hamilton's spindletree is Usually about 3 m, occasionally up to 15 m. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Hamilton's spindletree?
Hamilton's spindletree: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (late Feb–early March, then April–August after fruit set; stop from September). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Hamilton's spindletree?
The price of Hamilton's spindletree varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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