Spindle tree
Euonymus europeus
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
A shrub that loses its leaves during the year. It grows 2-8 m high and spreads 1.2-3 m wide. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are narrowly oval and pointed. They are 3-13 cm long. The flowers are small and green. They are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a 4 lobed capsule.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, Georgia, Italy, Mediterranean, San Marino, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The fruit and seeds are the source of a yellow dye used for colouring butter. It also produces an edible manna. CAUTION: All parts are harmful if eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds - dye, manna, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Navadna trdoleska