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Spindle Tree Berries

Soon these will open to show bright orange berries.

 

Spindle timber is creamy white, hard and dense. In the past it was used to make ‘spindles’ for spinning and holding wool (hence its name), as well as skewers, toothpicks, pegs and knitting needles.

 

The fruits were baked and powdered, and used to treat head lice, or mange in cattle. Both the leaves and fruit are toxic to humans – the berries have a laxative effect.

 

Today spindle timber is used to make high-quality charcoal, for artists. Cultivated forms of the tree are also grown in gardens for autumn colour.

 

Have a lovely weekend everyone

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Uploaded on September 28, 2019
Taken on September 23, 2019