Spindle trees (Euonymus)

Spindle trees

Also known as: Burning-bush, Strawberry-bush

Spindle trees grow around the world and exhibit a range of flowers and leaves. Indeed, one European species is known as "burning bush" because its bright red flowers resemble flames. Today, the wood is often used to create small tools, handles, and pegs, along with the eponymous spindles. Spindle trees grow pink and orange fruits that are poisonous if consumed. Some varieties including the glossy, baby, bigleaf, and purpleleaf are used for ornamental purposes in landscaping.

Scientific classification

Genus

Spindle trees (Euonymus)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

50 cm

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Spindle trees

Species

Evergreen spindle Burning bush Wintercreeper European spindletree American Strawberry bush Korean spindle tree Burningbush Large-leaved spindle Rough-stemmed spindle Western burning bush Hamilton's spindletree Large-winged spindle Euonymus hamiltonianus maackii Corktree Turkestanicus dwarf euonymus Evergreen spindle 'Ovatus Aureus'Wintercreeper 'Coloratus'Wintercreeper 'Silver Queen'Euonymus japonicus 'Albomarginatus'Fleshy‑flowered spindletree Japanese spindle 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus'Spindle trees 'Emerald gaiety'Wintercreeper 'Emerald 'n' Gold'Loose-flowered euonymus Spindle tree 'Green Spire'Euonymus fortunei 'Interbolwi'Euonymus alatus 'Blade Runner'Evergreen spindle 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus'Evergreen spindle 'Bravo'Wintercreeper 'Moonshadow'European spindletree 'Red Cascade'Wintercreeper 'Canadale Gold'Euonymus 'Harlequin'Boxleaf Euonymus Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus'Burning bush 'Compactus'Evergreen spindle 'Green Rocket'Wintercreeper 'Gold Splash'Euonymus semenovii

Quickly Identify Spindle trees

Distinctive fruit capsule with vivid orange-red seeds inside.

Variable leaf sizes, typically 1/2 to 6 inches (1.3 to 15 cm) long.

Terete or 4-angled stem, green to light brown, 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.3 cm) thick.

Bark darkens with age, developing fissures and ridges, up to 6 inches (15 cm) thick.

Small flowers, 4-parted, greenish maroon, with 2-6 stamens, 0.2-0.3 inches (5-8 mm) diameter.

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Care Guide for Spindle trees

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Spindle trees adapts well to moderate moisture, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. Thriving in temperate regions, it prefers soil moisture that mimics its natural habitat, balancing watering with natural rainfall to maintain health and vigor.

Propagation: Propagation of spindle trees involves seed sowing and cuttings. Seeds require cold stratification; cuttings are best taken in late spring to early summer. Key needs include moist, well-draining soil and indirect light. Successful rooting requires pre-treatment and may involve rooting hormones. Difficulty level is moderate.

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Learn More About Spindle trees

How to Grow and Care

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