Spindletree (Euonymus grandiflorus) is a semi-evergreen to deciduous small tree or shrub that grows 15-20 feet tall, occasionally reaching as much as 24 feet, with slender pendulous branching that creates a graceful, airy silhouette. Native to forests and woodlands across India, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, and China, this member of the spindle tree family produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers with purple anthers in mid-spring, followed by showy spherical, 4-lobed capsules in yellowish-pink with white seeds bearing striking orange arils. Hardy in zones 6-8, it thrives in sun-dappled conditions and tolerates drought, black walnut, and rabbit pressure, making it a resilient choice for varied garden settings.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-8
240in H x 180in W
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Moderate
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The real draw here is the fruit display. After modest spring flowers fade, spindletree produces those jewel-like capsules in warm pink tones, splitting open to reveal white seeds dressed in bright orange arils that birds find irresistible. The pale green, finely serrate leaves add textural contrast before turning wine-purple in fall, and the slender branching habit gives the plant an elegant, almost delicate character despite its substantial size. It's equally at home as a specimen tree or woven into a hedge, and it shrugs off drought, poor soil, and urban pollution without complaint.
Spindletree serves primarily as an ornamental plant, particularly suited to hedge plantings where its dense branching and moderate growth habit create effective screens and windbreaks. Its showy fruit display and bird-attracting capabilities make it valuable in wildlife gardens, while its tolerance for urban conditions and varied soil types renders it practical for challenging landscape situations where many other small trees falter.
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Spindletree can be propagated from cuttings or seed. Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil, spacing trees 10-15 feet apart for mature width. Establish in part shade to full sun locations where afternoon shade is available in hot climates.
Spindletree requires minimal pruning beyond light shaping to maintain its graceful pendulous branching habit. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. As a hedge plant, light trimming after flowering helps maintain density and encourages the showy fruit display.
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