©Philip Precey
Species of the Month: Spindle
Take part in our wildlife survey
Have you seen our Species of the Month in Dorset? By reporting your sighting below, you can help us to build up a picture of the state of Dorset’s wildlife. We send the records of your sighting to DERC (Dorset Environmental Records Centre) who collate this information, providing the opportunity for local naturalists, conservation organisations and wildlife enthusiasts to work together to protect wildlife in Dorset. What’s more, when you complete our Species of the Month survey, your sighting will display on our interactive map below. This allows us to visualize the range of wonderful wildlife our supporters have spotted in their gardens, on their balconies or in their local green spaces throughout the year! So please help us help wildlife by filling in the form below. Thank you!
©Philip Precey
Species of the Month: Spindle
Scientific name: Euonymus europaea
Layers
Identification
The spindle is a large, native shrub or small tree, growing to about 5-6-m tall. It has slightly square stems. The shiny, waxy leaves are narrow, oval and pointed with tiny sharp teeth along the edges. It is deciduous, with the leaves turning a rich orange red in autumn.
The clusters of white flowers appear in May - June and are followed by exotic looking fruits which are bright pink with orange seeds (arils).
Benefit to wildlife
Spindle is a valuable tree for wildlife. The flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for insects, including St Mark’s fly. The leaves are eaten by a range of moths including the magpie and spindle ermine, as well as the holly blue butterfly. Aphids are attracted to the leaves, which are in turn eaten by hoverfly larvae, ladybirds, lacewing larvae and birds. The fruits are eaten by mice, birds and even foxes.
Behaviour
N/A
Did you know?
The botanical name Euonymus comes from the Greek ‘eu’ meaning ‘good’ and ‘onoma’ meaning ‘name’. This translates as ‘good name’ or rather ‘good luck’.
Spindle and spin come from the Old English word ‘spinnan’ which means ‘to draw out and twist fibres into a thread’, which is why the tough, dense, smooth and splinter resistant wood was perfect for making spindles for spinning wool into thread.
The wood was also used to make skewers, toothpicks, pegs, knitting needles, musical instruments, inlay wood for furniture and, high quality charcoal.
Other names for spindle include burning bush, strawberry-bush, wahoo and wintercreeper.
The leaves and berries contain alkaloids and are harmful if eaten by humans or dogs.
Despite their toxicity, the fruits used to be baked and made into a powder which was used to treat headlice or mange. The skins were used to make dye.
Where can they be found?
Spindle is native to the UK and much of Europe and is common across the British Isles, although less common in Scotland.
It is found on the edge of forests and in hedges, thriving in chalky soils. It is an indicator of ancient woodland.
How can I help?
The native spindle and its various cultivars can be grown in the garden as an attractive tree, shrub or even as a hedge.
Please do not use herbicides or pesticides in the garden. These will unintentionally harm creatures which are beneficial to a healthy garden ecosystem – for hints and tips on how to be chemical free please visit our webpage.
Report your sighting
Help us build a more accurate picture of Dorset's wildlife by completing this form. Your records will be sent to DERC on the understanding that the information provided by the recorder will be entered onto a computerised database and may be used for nature conservation, research, education or be available to the general public. Your sighting will also appear on our Species of the Month map. You can change your communications preference at any time by contacting us on 01202 692033.
When you have completed the form, click the Submit button. Please note that once submitted it can take up to an hour for your sighting to populate the map.
