Tree of the Year in South Estonia – spindle
Photo Arne Ader
Translation Liis
Spindle
Spindle Harilik kikkapuu Euonymus europaeus
The northern limit of its natural habitat is the Koiva river floodplain in southeastern Estonia. The spindle is used for ornamental purposes which however is being abandoned since the fruits as well as leaves of the tree are quite toxic.
We started talking about the fruits of the Trees of the Year earlier: LINK
The spindle can be found as a shrub or a low tree with an upright crown – however you prefer to class it - up to five metres high. As an ornamental shrub in parks it withstands the polluted air of cities, it is frost-hardy, tolerates shadow and pruning. In some years insect pests may eat it bare.
The pinkish red fruits or capsules of the spindle ripen in the end of September. In the capsule there are two to four light brown seeds. The leaves that colour beautifully in autumn are ovoid, with finely serrated margin and a sharp tip.
Naturally occurring spindles are protected by law.
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