However, this species is not winter hardy and must therefore be kept in a pot, where it remains somewhat smaller. The Japanese spindle tree, or evergreen spindle, comes from Asia and can grow several metres tall if conditions are favourable. There are three deciduous spindle species that are native to Central Europe. Most of them are of Southeast Asian origin, some even come from the Himalayas. There are about 170 known spindle species at present. Robins, magpies and thrushes use the berries as a source of food in winter. Only songbirds seem to be able to consume spindle berries without harm. Spindles are not only poisonous to humans, but also to many animals, for instance horses or sheep. However, these symptoms occur only twelve hours after consumption. If the dose is too high, they can cause cramps, collapse and even death. They contain harmful glycosides and alkaloids, which lead to vomiting as well as diarrhoea when consumed. Spindles bear intense coloured fruit – the euonymus tree fruit is especially striking Is the spindle tree poisonous?Īll parts of the spindle tree are poisonous, especially the fruits. The latter ones often display gold or white leaves in autumn, whereas deciduous spindle trees turn red. There are deciduous and evergreen types of spindle trees.
They are densely branched with a full-bodied crown. Spindles can reach a maximum height of five metres and have a rather shrubby form. The spindle may also be referred to as “spindle bush”, which is actually more accurate of the plant’s shape and growth. Depending on the type of spindle tree, the capsules can take on a brown or grey colour. When the fruit ripens, the four lobes split open revealing orange seeds. Spindles bear striking and colourful capsular fruits. However, there are also spindle species that are native to Europe such as Euonymus europaeus – the European spindle or common spindle. Spindle trees can be found throughout the entire northern hemisphere, but mostly in East Asia. Broadleaf spindle (Euonymus latifolius).Spindle tree: origin and characteristics.