Phoebedslr
Spindle Fruits
Who says orange and pink clash?
Industrious, delicate, colourful. The spindle is at its loveliest in autumn when its leaves turn russet and its pink and orange fruits ripen. Wildlife loves its leaves and fruit, and aphids flock to it, bringing with them an array of their predators.
Spindle is an ancient-woodland indicator. If you spot it while out exploring, it could be a sign of a rare and special habitat.
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 having 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.
Spindle Fruits
Who says orange and pink clash?
Industrious, delicate, colourful. The spindle is at its loveliest in autumn when its leaves turn russet and its pink and orange fruits ripen. Wildlife loves its leaves and fruit, and aphids flock to it, bringing with them an array of their predators.
Spindle is an ancient-woodland indicator. If you spot it while out exploring, it could be a sign of a rare and special habitat.
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 having 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.