Siebold's Spindle Tree Euonymus hamiltonianus subsp. sieboldianus
ABOUT
The plant known as Spindle tree is noted for its ornamental features that change with the seasons. The Spindle tree has oval-shaped leaves that come to a point, usually medium to dark green in color. In the fall, these leaves transform into a vibrant display of reds, yellows, and purples, which is one of its appealing characteristics. Along with the foliage's autumn hues, the plant bears fruit that splits open to reveal seeds encapsulated in a fleshy, bright red aril. The contrast between the fruit colors and the fall leaves is quite striking. During spring and early summer, it produces small flowers, generally pale green or yellowish, not particularly showy, which are grouped in inconspicuous clusters. What makes this plant unique is the stark difference between the inconspicuous nature of its flowers and the showy display of its fruit and leaves in the fall. The bark and branches have a somewhat inconspicuous appearance, with the bark being gray or brown and the branches forming a dense, bushy structure which provides a background to the more colorful leaves and fruits. Its branches might sometimes exhibit corky wings, adding to its texture and visual interest. Overall, the Spindle tree is admired for its seasonal transformations, which provide year-round interest in landscapes through the changing color of its leaves, the unique appearance of its fruit, and its structural features.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Celastraceae
Synonyms
Hamilton's Spindle Tree, Siebold's Spindle
Common names
Euonymus sieboldianus, Euonymus makinoi, Kalonymus sieboldianus.
ToxicityTo humans
Spindle tree is considered toxic due to the presence of compounds such as alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. If ingested, parts of this plant can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac complications which might lead to potentially life-threatening conditions. It is important for humans to avoid consuming any part of the spindle tree.
To pets
Spindle tree is also toxic to pets, and like in humans, the ingestion of any part of this plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset, symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious cases of poisoning could lead to heart problems, muscle weakness, seizures, or even coma. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet has consumed any part of the spindle tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-white
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes and gardens with its attractive foliage and seasonal color changes.
- Habitat Support: Provides shelter and sometimes food for birds and other wildlife through its berries and dense foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Usually requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Tolerance: Shows resilience in various soil types and can withstand urban pollution, making it versatile in different environments.
- Windbreak: Can be used as a natural windbreak, reducing wind speed in gardens and on properties.
- Privacy Screening: Dense growth habit is ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges.
- Soil Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion due to its root system that stabilizes the ground.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest across seasons with its flowers, fruits, and fall foliage color.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spindle tree fruit can be used for making dyes. The pink and orange hues of the fruit have been traditionally used to tint wool or textiles.
- Wood from the spindle tree is very hard and can be used for making spindles, hence the name. It is suitable for fine carving and has been used in creating tools and utensils.
- The dense wood is also used for making musical instruments, especially parts that require durability and fine-grained wood, like certain wind instruments.
- Due to its ornamental appearance, spindle tree branches are sometimes used in floral arrangements and decorative wreaths for aesthetic appeal.
- The leaves of the spindle tree can be employed as a moderate natural insect repellent when crushed and applied to the skin or left around an outdoor seating area.
- The fibrous bark can be processed and spun into twine or rope, a practice that dates back to traditional uses in some cultures.
- In landscape gardening, the tree is valuable for creating hedges or as a standalone specimen due to its striking autumn foliage and distinctive fruits.
- Spindle tree wood is occasionally used in the creation of small, precision parts in watchmaking thanks to its fine grain and resistance to splitting.
- Various parts of the tree, such as the branches and stems, can be used in the art of bonsai, where they are shaped and maintained as miniature trees.
- The seeds, while not commonly used, have been experimented with as a potential biofuel resource, although their toxicity requires careful handling.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spindle Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spindle Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Love: The Euonymus hamiltonianus subsp. sieboldianus, also known as Winterberry Euonymus, often symbolizes enduring love due to its hardy nature and the ability to withstand various climates.
- Fortitude: This plant represents fortitude as it is known for its strength and ability to persist, reflecting a person's inner strength to overcome adversity.
- Versatility: The adaptability of Winterberry Euonymus to different environments stands for versatility, symbolizing the capability to thrive in diverse conditions and situations.
- Protection: In some cultures, planting Euonymus near the home is thought to offer protection against negative energies, making it a symbol of safeguarding.
WaterThe Spindle Tree (Euonymus hamiltonianus subsp. sieboldianus) should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. In general, watering is recommended approximately once a week, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to maybe twice a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per watering session for an established plant to ensure the root zone is thoroughly soaked. Reduce watering in the fall and winter to once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch to a depth of 2 inches.
LightSpindle Trees should be placed in a location where they receive full sun to partial shade. Optimal growth occurs in bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight. Avoid deep shade as it can hinder the growth and reduce the vibrancy of the foliage.
TemperatureSpindle Trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving in minimum temperatures as low as -10°F to -20°F. They prefer average room temperatures between 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. They can handle summer heat well, provided they are adequately watered.
PruningPruning the Spindle Tree is important to maintain its shape and health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out overly dense areas to improve airflow, which helps prevent disease. Pruning can also be done after flowering to shape the plant or control its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpindle trees thrive in well-draining soil with a balanced mix of loam, sand, and peat, enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingSpindle trees do not require frequent repotting; repot every 2-3 years or when noticeably pot-bound. Repot in early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingSpindle trees prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a range of conditions, avoiding extremes of very low or very high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Spindle Tree (Euonymus hamiltonianus subsp. sieboldianus) begins its life as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are adequate. Seedlings emerge from the soil and develop into juvenile plants, growing through the vegetative stage where leaves, stems, and root systems expand. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive phase, typically flowering in late spring or early summer, with inconspicuous greenish flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into a colorful fruit, often pink to red capsules that split to reveal orange seeds, attracting birds that aid in seed dispersal. Over the years, the plant will grow into a mature shrub, continuing to produce flowers and fruits in seasonal cycles. The Spindle Tree reaches the end of its life cycle when it succumbs to age, environmental stress, or disease, at which point it dies and decomposes, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Winterberry Euonymus, which is Euonymus hamiltonianus subsp. sieboldianus, involves the use of softwood cuttings. This process typically occurs in the late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. Gardeners should select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, making sure to include at least two or three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
