European spindle, spindle tree, common spindle, prickwood, skewerwood
Euonymus europaeus
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The fruits have been used medicinally as a purgative and emetic, though caution is advised due to their toxicity. The wood is very hard and fine-grained, suitable for carving, spindles, and skewers. It attracts beneficial insects that prey on aphids and other garden pests. It can be used as a hedging plant, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Some cultivars offer more vibrant autumn foliage, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Permapeople description
European Spindle Tree
Botanical description
Euonymus europaeus is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 3–6 meters (10–20 ft) tall, rarely to 10 meters (33 ft). The branches are green, usually with four corky ridges. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to elliptic, 3–8 cm (1–3 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–1 in) broad, with a finely serrated margin. The flowers are small, greenish-white, with four petals each 5–8 mm across, produced in small cymes of 3–8 together. The fruit is a four-lobed pink to red capsule, 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in) wide, which splits open to reveal orange seeds. It is native to most of Europe and Western Asia.
Companion planting
No specific companion planting information is widely documented for Euonymus europaeus. However, its attractiveness to beneficial insects suggests it could be beneficial near plants susceptible to aphids. Avoid planting near grazing livestock due to the toxicity of the fruits and seeds.
Propagation methods
Propagation is possible by seed, softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter, and layering. Seed requires cold stratification for successful germination.
History and traditions
The common name "spindle" refers to the traditional use of the hard, straight wood for making spindles for spinning wool. The wood was also used for skewers. The plant has been associated with witchcraft and folklore in some European traditions. The bright orange seeds have been used as a dye, although this is not common practice today.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in May-June. Fruits ripen in September-October. Planting is best done in autumn or spring. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches.