- Botanical name: Euonymus europaeus
- Common name: Spindle
- Family: Celastraceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Deciduous
Green
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive seedheads
- Autumn colour
- Flowers
- Attractive to wildlife
The spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, is a large native shrub, producing dense hard wood that traditionally was used for making spindles and other small implements. In autumn the foliage turns a dramatic shade of red, complementing the orange-pink winged fruit, which remain on the tree long after the leaves have fallen.
Euonymus europaeus is the perfect shrub to plant as a focal point in the front garden, where its beauty can be appreciated. But it also works well in a winter border, underplanted with spring flowers. For best results grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
How to grow Euonymus europaeus
-
Plant size
3m height
2.5m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Euonymus europaeus and wildlife
Euonymus europaeus is known for attracting birds. It has seeds for birds.
Does not attract Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Euonymus europaeus poisonous?
Euonymus europaeus can be toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
