We are very lucky in that we have several examples of Spindle growing in the Orchard. These range from large mature trees to small bushes. Spindle is no longer common and we are very fortunate in having them as well as some other examples in the local area.
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is a deciduous native tree, and mature trees grow to 9 metres and can live for more than 100 years. The bark and twigs are deep green, becoming darker with age, and have light brown, corky markings; twigs are thin and straight. Interesting fact - new spindle shoots are round, soon becoming square, and then round again as they expand and mature.
The leaves are eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, including the magpie, spindle ermine, scorched carpet and a variety of micro moths, as well as the holly blue butterfly. The leaves also attract aphids and therefore 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, particularly the St Mark’s fly.
In summer if you walk up Donkey Lane towards the Ridgeway you will see several Spindle bushes incorporated in the hedge which are covered in a web. This is probably caused by the caterpillar of the Spindle Ermine Moth and will disappear as the summer progresses.
The leaves of the Spindle are shiny and slightly waxy, and have tiny sharp teeth along the edges. They turn a rich orange-red before falling in autumn. Spindle is hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts. Flowers have four petals and grow in clusters in May and June, and are pollinated by insects. After pollination the flower develop into bright pink fruits with orange seeds.
Spindle timber is creamy white, hard and dense. In the past it was used to make ‘spindles’ for spinning and holding wool (hence its name), as well as skewers, toothpicks, pegs and knitting needles. Today, Spindle timber is used to make high-quality charcoal, for artists. Cultivated forms of the tree are also grown in gardens for autumn colour.
The Spindle’s botanical name, Euonymus, is from the Greek ‘eu’, meaning ‘good’ and ‘onoma’, meaning ‘name’. This is said to have meant ‘lucky’. However, in some areas, it was also thought that if the spindle flowered early, an outbreak of the plague was on the way.
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. Whilst the Community Orchard is not ancient woodland, we are fortunate to have Spindle growing there.
Many thanks to the Woodland Trust for their excellent information and Christine Davis for the use of her photographs
Alan Brawn – Orchard Story Group October 2022
If you would like to know more about the Donkey Lane Community Orchard project or get involved, please contact Linda on 07973 788993 or email greeningchinnor@gmail.com.
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