This beauty is a spindle, one of our 21 native trees, which is covered in pink berries. Coming across one in the woods this time of year is such a breathtaking experience that I cannot understand why they aren’t a more popular choice for planting in Ireland.
Known as ‘Feoras’ in Irish and ‘Eunymous europeaus’ in Latin, its hard wood could hold a sharp point and was used long ago for making spindles as well as skewers, toothpicks, knitting needles, and as charcoal for artists.
The fruit, which contain a beautiful orange seed, are toxic and have a strong laxative effect, so do go snacking on them! Leave that to the birds such as sparrows and robins, for whom it is a valuable food choice.
Why not plant one today?