Water
Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Aim for consistently moist soil but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Common Spindle · Common Spindle Tree · European Euonymus
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, known for its distinctive winged fruit and vibrant autumn color.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade. Too much shade can reduce vigor.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water regularly when dry, especially when young. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Ensure good drainage.
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is very frost-hardy once established.
Low
25% intensity
Generally requires little to no fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is optional.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Aim for consistently moist soil but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be used to maintain desired size and shape, or to encourage denser growth.
It responds well to hard pruning if needed.
Propagation is typically done by sowing seeds in autumn or by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Seeds may require a period of cold stratification to germinate.
Cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining medium in a propagator or protected environment.
Young plants may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years into slightly larger containers to encourage root development. Mature plants in the ground rarely need repotting.
Ensure fresh, well-draining potting mix is used when repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Where Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
| Species | Euonymus europaeus |
Similar in genus Euonymus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
