Euonymus europaeus - common spindle

Common spindle is a deciduous, monoecious (i.e. male and female flowers on the same plant) species native to Europe, with only a wedge-shaped extension to its range extending into Asia, beyond the Caspian Sea.

The spindle’s flowers draw little attention but in autumn the fruit are much more attractive. They open into four red sections with dangling orange-coated seeds. In open situations the autumn colours, in shades of red, can also be impressive. There are several varieties available, whose fruits vary from white to crimson.

The wood of the spindle is bone-hard and lends itself to turning, e.g. in the making of spindles, if it is given enough time to achieve sufficient girth.