European Spindle Tree Seeds

Grow a beautiful and unique ornamental shrub or small tree with European Spindle Tree Seeds (Euonymus europaeus). Native to Europe and western Asia, this deciduous species is prized for its vibrant pink seed capsules that split open in autumn to reveal brilliant orange seeds, creating one of the most eye-catching displays in the landscape. Its colorful fall foliage, attractive branching habit, and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions make it an excellent choice for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and ornamental plantings.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Euonymus europaeus
• Common Name: European Spindle Tree
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Germination Rate: 50–70%
• Mature Height: 15–25 feet
• Mature Spread: 10–20 feet
• Hardiness Zones: 4–8
• Native Range: Europe and western Asia
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, chalky, and sandy soils
• Fall Color: Yellow to reddish-purple foliage with bright pink fruit capsules
• Wildlife Value: Fruits provide food for birds, while the dense branching offers nesting habitat

Germination Instructions

European Spindle Tree seeds have a naturally dormant embryo and require both warm and cold moist stratification for successful germination.

1. Mix the seeds with a moist growing medium such as peat moss or vermiculite.
2. Warm stratify for 60–90 days at approximately 68–75°F (20–24°C).
3. After the warm period, cold stratify for 90–120 days at 34–41°F (1–5°C).
4. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-drained seed-starting mix.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated and place in a bright location once germination begins.

Growing Information

• Performs best in full sun for the brightest fall foliage and fruit production.
• Tolerates partial shade and a wide range of soil types.
• Appreciates evenly moist soil during establishment but becomes fairly drought tolerant once mature.
• Makes an excellent ornamental specimen, hedge, screen, or woodland garden plant.
• Produces small greenish-yellow flowers in late spring followed by striking pink fruits in fall.
• Prune during dormancy to maintain shape and remove damaged branches.
• Easy to grow and relatively low maintenance after establishment.

Seed Quantities Available

• 1 oz. - 500 Seeds
• 1/4 lb. - 2,000 Seeds
• 1 lb. - 8,000 Seeds