Spindle with its flamboyant berries has pushed wildflowers aside to claim a “Start the Week” slot. This native tree is thriving in Frank’s Wood at the moment. But look, don’t eat is the advice! It is a powerful purgative and emetic.
The French name for our “Spindle”, Le Fusain is also their general word for charcoal. Although more usually made from Willow, Spindle is recognised as making the very best artist’s charcoal. The sixteenth century botanist William Turner suggested using the Dutch name “Spindle Tree” which seems to have stuck.The hard straight wood was indeed popular for making spindles but he seemed unaware it already had many local names including Louseberry. Spindle flowers were baked, powdered and sprinkled on children’s heads - hence the name. A wash made from its leaves was used to rid dogs of fleas. We now know neonicotinoid pesticides in the “Spot on” flea treatments we sprinkle on our pets are devastating our invertebrates. Toxic effects of flea treatments Perhaps it is time to re-visit the wisdom of our Ancestors?
The ghostly webbing sometimes draped on Spindle plants is the creation of Small Ermine Moth caterpillars. Small Ermine Moth facts and photos Black bean aphids, potentially troublesome for bean crops and sugar beet overwinter almost exclusively on Spindle. Aphids in general love spindle trees which in turn attracts many helpful predators such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies.
Enjoy the colourful show before the robins scoff them all. Robins love Spindle berries