Spindle Tree

[Suninfrance]

Just thought I would write as a follow up to my photos of the Spindle Ermine Moth in the wildlife section.

Did you know that the Spindle tree is poisonous and parts of it contain allergens.  I found this out whilst working in the garden near the spindle tree, and a branch brushed against my face.  Didn't think much of it at the time, but later that evening my face became very hot (not not a tropical moment), and a big red patch appeared on my cheek.

The following morning, my eyes were so swollen, I could hardly see.  They went down during the day, but again, the following morning were extremely swollen and itchy.   The day after that, I broke out in a rash all over my body, making me believe I had measles, so I visited the doc and he told me I was too old for measles (nice man !!!) and asked if I had been working in the garden.

The rash has only just started to calm down after a week, but is very itchy, sore, and unsightly.

All from a mere brush with a branch from the Spindle tree.

So beware!!

[Russethouse]

Is Spindle tree a type of Euonymous ?

I knew Euphorbia could cause a horrid reaction but I hadn't heard of this, thanks

[Suninfrance]

Euonymous Europa amongst others.  I was talking to my French teacher about it today and she has a really bad allergic reaction to Euphorbia.  I didn't know about the Euonymous though - certainly do now!  As I write, my back is itching like mad.  I want to do what Balloo in Jungle Book did - find a tree and just have a good scratch, but I guess I'll just go and slap some more cream on it.

The tree will stay where it is, because in the Autumn it has such beautiful flowers on it, but I shall avoid it at all costs now.  Funny though, OH was working near it too and he too had a close encounter with it, but he's OK.  Guess I must have sensitive skin.