Fauna
Plant

Spindle

Euonymus europaeus

Also known as European Spindle, Common Spindle, Spindle Tree

European spindle brightens autumn hedgerows with spectacular bright pink four-lobed seed capsules that split open to reveal bright orange arils. Historically valued for its dense, hard wood used to craft textile spindles and wooden skewers, this shrub also serves as an essential host plant for specialized insects. Dense infestations of spindle ermine moth caterpillars can encase entire bushes in white silk webs during late spring, though the resilient shrub typically recovers fully by summer.

DeciduousToxic BerriesAutumn Color
Spindle reference1 / 7
(c) Vedran Lastovčić, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Vedran Lastovčić · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Spindle Ermine Caterpillars
  • Aphis fabae (Black Bean Aphid)
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive plant competition
HabitatsWoodland edges, hedgerows, gentle slopes, chalky soils
Life span100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderCelastrales
  2. FamilyCelastraceae
  3. GenusEuonymus
  4. SpeciesEuonymus europaeus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
All plant parts are toxic if ingested, and wild berries have dangerous look-alikes.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic alkaloids such as evonine and cardiac glycosides that cause severe vomiting, intestinal cramps, and cardiac disturbance if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for distinctive four-lobed hot-pink seed pods revealing orange arils alongside finely serrated green leaves.
What to do
Do not consume any part of the plant and keep curious pets and children away from the colorful fruit.
Responsible observation
  • Autumn Identification: Look for distinctive pink seed capsules splitting open to reveal glowing orange seeds.
  • Caterpillar Observation: Inspect leaves in May and June for silk webbing spun by spindle ermine moth larvae.
  • Safe Enjoyment: Admire the striking fall foliage and seed pods visually without picking or tasting the toxic berries.
Related species
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