#2 Spindle Berry Plant (100SpeciesofPlantChallenge)

Continuing on with the 100 Species of Plant Challenge



Name: Euonymus (Spindle Berry)

Things I already knew: Nothing other than it produced interesting berries - and it was my 7 yr old that discovered it.


Things I recently learned: "Euonymus (Spindle Berries) are large shrubs to small trees from open, slightly moist spots in woods throughout Europe to Japan. Very easy in cultivation, good to cut back. Spindle Berries have usually small, greenish flowers in spring, yet very decorative, bright pink to scarlet fruits which open to shed brilliant orange to rose covered seeds in autumn and early winter. Foliage turns bright yellow to burning red in autumn.

Note: All parts (especially the attractive fruits) are poisonous if eaten."

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So one wonders how the 7 yr old identified this plant, when the rest of us had no clue? Apparently there is a Fairy by this name and there are plenty of pictures of the plant in her fairy books. *sigh* Fascinating where she picks up her info.