Euonynus europaeus (Spindle)
Spindle is found at the edges of Toll Wood but may spread further into areas where the canopy is opened up.
Autumn colour is rich reds and oranges. The seeds are distinctively deep pink small 'cushions'. Be aware, the leaves and fruit are toxic to humans.
The slow growth makes this a good choice for small gardens and hedges (it can be trimmed back if required).
Their longevity, up to one hundred years, makes Spindle an important species in ancient woodland ecology. Slow growing, Spindle wood has been used for fine items such as needles, spindles in spinning and weaving, knitting needles. Also used for artists' charcoal. The wood is not particularly durable.
Biodiversity value: MEDIUM/HIGH
Spindle is a native ancient woodland indicator that we find along the woodland edge and may spread if we open the canopy within the wood. This small tree (to 9m height) offers nectar for pollinating insects that visit the white flowers in spring. Leaves are enjoyed by caterpillars (e.g., spindle ermine moth, and common emerald moth) sucking aphids and some birds, turning a rich deep red/orange in autumn. Insects and the vivid pink berries in the autumn support a wide range of birds (blackbirds, thrushes, and finches) and mammals into the autumn (foxes like them apparently). The complex and thorny habit provide year-long shelter.
The berries look like pink and orange popcorn, but are toxic to humans as are the leaves.
Leaf fall: Spindles generally lose their leaves in late-season (mid-November, sometimes holding their leaves through December), depending on first frosts. With climate change extending warm periods, holding onto leaves for longer makes sense as a survival mechanism. More extreme autumn storms may not affect our hardy thickets as they don't grow very tall.
Propagation Options (see our summary of general techniques). Wear gloves as leaves and fruit are toxic.
(1) Seed Collection - October-November - this is the most reliable option.
Requires stratification (warm followed by cold period).
Mix seeds with damp vermiculite or sharp sand in a bag.
Keep at room temperature (~15C) for 10 weeks, then move to a fridge (<0 to 5C) for 16 weeks.
Alternatively, sow in a cold shed over winter.
Once germinated, sow in pots with seed compost, covering with 5-10mm of compost or grit.
Keep moist in a shady spot. Plant out after two years of growth.
(2) Semi-ripe cuttings, to create exact replicas of the parent tree.
Use healthy shoots from this year's growth that are beginning to turn woody at the base. Make a 10-15cm cutting just below a node; remove lower leaves and only leave 2-3 pairs at the top.
Dip in rooting hormone and plant in pots with a mix of potting compost and sand or perlite.
Keep moist (cover with plastic bag) in a cold frame or greenhouse.
Plant out once roots form.
