Natrix natrix - Native

The Spindle (Euonymus europaeus), also known as the common spindle, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Celastraceae, native to much of Europe,. In autumn they often show a beautiful bright red colour.
The hermaphrodite flowers are produced in late spring and are insect-pollinated; they are rather inconspicuous, small, yellowish green and grow in cymes of 3-8 together. The fruit is poisonous, as well as an extremely bitter terpene. Poisonings are more common in young children, who are enticed by the brightly-coloured fruits. Ingestion can result in liver and kidney damage and even death.

Photo: Simon Carpenter.