How to identify European spindletree (Euonymus europaeus)

How to identify European spindletree (Euonymus europaeus)

European spindletree, also known as Common spindletree, Spindleberry

European spindletree is distinguished by its upright growth habit, reaching heights of approximately 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters). This deciduous entity possesses oval to lance-shaped leaves, which transform into a vivid autumnal display of red and purple hues. The presence of distinctive, 4-lobed pink to red capsules that open to reveal bright orange seeds is a notable identification feature. Its branches and twigs often exhibit a somewhat angular, spindly form.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify European spindletree

Tall deciduous plant, 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) high with oval to lance-shaped leaves.

Distinctive, 4-lobed pink to red capsules opening to bright orange seeds.

Small, yellowish-green flowers in clusters of 3 to 5, lacking a notable scent.

Leaves ovate to oblong-lanceolate, up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, with crenate-serrate margin.

Thin stem with greenish-red hue, becoming square and slightly hardened with age.

Detailed Traits of European spindletree

Leaf Features

The leaves of european spindletree are ovate to oblong-lanceolate, measuring up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. They feature a crenate-serrate margin with rounded teeth, a wedge-shaped base, and a pointed tip. The texture is glabrous and the color is a dull dark green during the growing season, turning variable shades of red, orange, and purple in fall. The leaves exhibit clear vein patterns and smooth surfaces, essential for identifying this plant species.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Flower Features

European spindletree produces small, yellowish-green flowers, approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) across, that bloom in clusters of 3 to 5 flowered cymes. The flowers appear from late April to June. Each flower has small, inconspicuous petals arranged in a simple, four-part symmetry, and they lack a notable scent. The flowers are not very showy but serve as an essential identification feature of the plant.

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Stem Features

The stem of european spindletree is thin and features a distinctive greenish-red hue. When mature, the brown branches become square in shape. The texture is generally smooth, and the stem exhibits mild ridges. Branches are usually slender, measuring roughly 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter. As the stem ages, it might exhibit minor hardening and a slight color change, becoming more brownish over time. These characteristics are important for accurately identifying european spindletree.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of european spindletree is notable for its striking presentation. This berry-like fruit reaches approximately half to three-quarters of an inch (1.27 to 1.91 cm) in diameter. In autumn, its pinkish-red capsules make a dramatic display as they split open to reveal bright, fleshy orange arils, each cradling a tiny seed. Although these seeds entice certain bird species, they are not suited for human consumption. The contrast between the vivid orange aril and the seed nestled within offers a distinctive characteristic for identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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European spindletree and Their Similar Plants

Evergreen spindle vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.

Burning bush vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Euonymus alatus, commonly known as burning bush and winged spindle, is an ornamental deciduous shrub. The most notable feature is its bright red fall leaves, hence the name burning bush. Its captivating looks made it a popular ornamental plant in parks and gardens all over the world. All parts of Euonymus alatus are toxic when ingested.

Wintercreeper vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Euonymus fortunei, commonly known as wintercreeper, is an evergreen shrub native to East Asia. Wintercreeper is an ornamental plant, often used as a groundcover and climbing plant, due to its ability to grow like a vine. It is regarded as an invasive species in many parts of North America.

American Strawberry bush vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

The american Strawberry bush grows a fascinating flower that appears to burst open, revealing its red fruit inside. Don’t let the name fool you, this Euonymus americanus, also known as Bursting Heart and Hearts-a-bursting, is toxic and should not be ingested. This 1.8 to 3.5 m bush is in the bittersweet family.

Burningbush vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a deciduous tree that will grow from 3.5 to 6 m tall. It blooms from late spring to early summer with tiny maroon flowers that bloom profusely. Fruits follow flowering and consists of seed capsules that turn crimson as they ripen in fall. Thrives in full sun or partial shade with medium moist, well-drained soil. Attracts birds and wildlife. Ideal for a woodland garden or planted as a hedge or screen.

Euonymus hamiltonianus maackii vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Euonymus hamiltonianus maackii is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. Cultivated varieties are also grown in Europe and North America. Euonymus hamiltonianus maackii grows as high as 10 m. Its flowers bloom from spring to summer and its distinctive fruit develops between summer and fall.

Western burning bush vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Western burning bush (Euonymus occidentalis) is a type of spindle tree native to North America's Pacific coast. It prefers sandy soils and full or partial sun. The name "burning bush" comes from the bright shades of red it displays in autumn. Western burning bush is mildly toxic if swallowed and should not be grown where pets are likely to chew on it.

Wintercreeper 'Silver Queen' vs. European spindletree: What's The Difference?

Wintercreeper 'Silver Queen' is a notably large variant of spindle tree or wintercreeper which can reach 2.5 to 3 m tall. The foliage is a creamy white color (or silvery as the name suggests), enjoyed in gardens to brighten up shady areas. This shrub also grows well in pots, where its size can be constrained.

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Key Facts About European spindletree

Attributes of European spindletree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

2 m to 10 m

Spread

2 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Flower Size

1 mm to 2 mm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

White

Fruit Color

Red

Orange

Pink

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of European spindletree

Moderate Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of European spindletree

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

European spindletree (Euonymus europaeus)

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Distribution Map of European spindletree

The european spindletree is native to Europe and into the Caucasus, growing in well-drained woodland or scrubland. It has been introduced in the eastern United States, Ontario and Quebec, and a few South Asian countries. After its introduction, it is considered invasive in North Carolina and is on Oregon's invasive species watch list.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the European spindletree

A Comprehensive Guide to European spindletree How to Grow and Care for European spindletree