Wahoo

Euonymus atropurpureus

Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family)

Burningbush, Spindle Tree, Eastern Wahoo, Burning Bush

Courtesy: Loveless, Brenda K., https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=42074

Courtesy: Smith, R.W., https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=32573

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Native Habitat: Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Texas Blackland Prairies

Maintenance

Though quite shade-tolerant, this shrub does well in full sun. Plants are susceptible to Euonymus scale and crown gall, and need protection from deer and rabbits. Root suckers may be pulled off if a single-stemmed tree is desired.

Comments

Eastern wahoo is a large, clumping, deciduous shrub which can develop into a small tree, 20-25 ft. tall. Leaves turn red in fall. Small purple flowers are succeeded by showy fruits. The crimson pods split in mid-autumn to reveal scarlet-coated seeds which hang on far into winter. The Latin species name, meaning “dark purple,” refers to the color of the fruit.

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

15 to

25 ft

Spread

10 to

15 ft

Soil Type(s)

Rich, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Berry, Fall Color

Wildlife Benefit

Unknown

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Previous Scientific Name(s): Euonymus atropurpurea

References

1) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=27948#null, 2) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=7543&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EUAT5, 4) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas.

Native Plant Society of Texas