Anyone know what this shrub is ?

[JonnyP]

Out in the woods again and came across this blaze of colour, which I cannot identify, does anyone know ?.................Jon

I suppose it could be an escapee from someones garden, but would like to know.

 

[Angus Og]

Spindle tree maybe.
At the bottom of page.

 

[wolf]

yep spindle tree

 

[JonnyP]

Thanks Guys.........New one for me.............Jon

 

[Galemys]

Because of its oddly coloured and shaped fruits it is called "kardinaalsmuts" ("cardinal's hat"; roman catholic kardinals have similar looking headwear) in Dutch.
I bet there must be some local names for it in the UK too.

Tom

 

[tomtom]

Euonymus europaeus, I believe it is quite rare, though not protected at the moment. as well as that its seeds are poisonous!

i have only seen 1 or 2 individuals!

 

[Beer Monster]

Some more info from here.

"Euonymus europaeus (Celastraceae) has green shoots, vibrant pink autumn leaves, deep pink fruit and contrasting, dangling, vermillion seeds. The dense, easily-worked wood was traditionally used for spindles, toothpicks, violin bows and producing charcoal for gunpowder. In the past, the richly coloured seeds were used to produce a yellow dye for butter; however, they contain a number of toxins, including cardiotoxic glycosides, and have been implicated in serious poisonings . "

 

[JonnyP]

Cheers all...........Now I can go and amaze the wardens with my knowledge of the tree..............Jon