Spindle is most striking in the autumn when its narrow, oval leaves turn reddish-orange and clusters of bright pink-and-orange berries hang from its twigs. These berries provide food for all kinds of creatures, including mice, birds and even Red Foxes, but are poisonous to us. Spindle is a small tree, widespread in woodland edges and hedgerows on limestone soils, and is also frequently planted in parks and gardens.
How to identify
Spindle has slightly square stems and thin, straight twigs; smooth, green bark; narrow, shiny leaves that turn orange-red in autumn; and characteristic pink fruits that contain bright orange seeds.
Did you know?
The very straight, hard wood of Spindle was traditionally used for making 'spindles' for spinning wool.
How people can help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for woodland plants.
