Family: spindle trees (Celastraceae)
Flowering time: May–July
Size: 1.5–3 m
Habitat: forest edges, forests, meadows and banks
Common spindle tree (Euonymus europaea) is typically a shrub up to 3 m tall. The four-lobed young shoots at the tips are initially entirely green, later on their edges develop four pale, longitudinal corky bands. Opposite, lanceolate leaves with serrated margins are 4 to 12 cm long. Inflorescences with two to six four-lobed flowers develop on 1 to 3 cm long pedicels. Oblong, greenish-white bracts are 3 to 5 mm long, and the flowers have a diameter of about 1 cm. The fruits of the common spindle tree are conspicuous in color. The intensely pink to red fruits are four-lobed at the apex, the seed aril is red-orange.
Common spindle tree thrives on moderately rich, fresh soils on a basic substrate. It is a common species found in sunny locations throughout Slovenia.
Colorful fruits of the common spindle tree are a real feast for the eyes, but let its beauty not deceive us, as the plant is highly poisonous!
