Description

About spindle
(Euonymus europaea)

A small native tree which produces bright pink and orange fruits in autumn.

Please note: the leaves and fruits are toxic to humans.

Growth and size
Mature height: 6m.
Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife
Food plant of a number of moths, including magpie, spindle ermine and scorched carpet, as well as a number of micro moths.
Food plant of the holly blue butterfly.
Aphids are attracted to the leaves, which attract predators such as ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewings and birds.
Flowers provide pollen and nectar for a number of insects, particularly the St Mark’s fly.

Soil and conditions
Grows best in chalky soils.
Often found in hedges or on the edge of woodland.
Less common in Scotland.

Grown responsibly
UK sourced and grown (UKISG certified).
Reduces risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Delivered in 100% recyclable LDPE wrap.

Did you know?
Spindle took its name because it was used to make spindles for spinning and holding wool. Today the wood is used to make high-quality artists’ charcoal.