Euonymus europaeus L.
Fully hardy, broadly conical, deciduous shrub or small tree, with spreading, somewhat pendant shoots, scalloped dark green leaves, to 7cm long, which turn red in autumn, and 4-lobed, clustered red fruit. To 3m. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Probably an ancient garden plant. ‘Euonymus. Spindle-tree. E. europaeus: shrub; leaves ovate-oblong, minutely toothed; flowers small, yellowish-green; fruit red, angular, opening at the angles and exposing a brilliant orange-coloured arillus, which envelopes the seeds. — Hedges and thickets. Fl. May.’ [Moore – British Wild Flowers p.55, pl.11/1867].
Called ‘Prickwood’ for its use in making skewers. [Don]. Saint-Hilaire Tr. pl.76/1825.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.437/1843]. Possibly introduced by Macarthur to assess its utility in making spindles and skewers.
Notes
Published Mar 15, 2009 - 03:40 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 02:38 PM
Euonymus europaeus L. | Saint-Hilaire Tr. pl.76/1825 | BHL
| Family | Celastraceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Europe including Britain to Siberia |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Common spindle tree, Prickwood |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Euonymus Europeus - Spindle tree |
| Confidence level | high |