Spindle
Euonymus europaeus
Also called European spindle and Common spindle
Garden plant · ShrubsNothing in a British hedgerow looks like it in October: shocking pink cases that split to show orange seeds inside. Both parts are poisonous and both look like sweets.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Every 60 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 3 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Europe and western Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The fruit and the seeds inside it.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.