Spindleberry

Description

Euonymus europaeus

Spindle is native to much of Europe and can be found most commonly on the edges of forests and in hedges, scrub and hedgerows. It thrives in chalky soils. Spindle is an ancient-woodland indicator. If you spot it while you’re out exploring, it could be a sign you’re standing in a rare and special habitat.

Spindle is hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts.

Spindle leaves are eaten by caterpillars of moths, including the magpie, spindle ermine and scorched, as well as the holly blue butterfly.

The leaves attract aphids and their predators, including hoverflies, ladybirds and lacewings, as well as the house sparrow and other species of bird. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects such as the St Mark’s fly.