Eastern Wahoo

(Euonymus atropurpureus)

Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Euonymus atropurpureus, commonly known as Eastern Wahoo or Burningbush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to rich woods, thickets, and stream banks in Eastern and Central North America. It typically grows to about 8 meters tall, with stems up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The bark is gray, smooth, and lightly fissured, while the twigs are dark purplish-brown, slender, and sometimes four-angled or slightly winged. The leaves are opposite, elliptical, abruptly long pointed at the tip, with a finely serrated margin; they are green above and paler with fine hairs beneath. In the fall, the foliage turns a striking bright red, providing significant ornamental value.

Eastern Wahoo is valued for its vibrant fall color and unique fruit capsules, which add visual interest to the landscape. It is used in naturalized plantings, as a specimen plant, or in shrub borders. It adapts well to a range of soil conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it thrives in full sun or part shade, it requires medium water. Gardeners should be aware that the fruit is poisonous to humans and that the plant can spread aggressively in some areas, potentially becoming invasive. It is also susceptible to scale insects and anthracnose. Despite these issues, its ease of maintenance and autumn display make it a popular choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 12-20 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Native to rich woods, thickets, and stream banks in Eastern and Central North America

Other Names

Common Names: Eastern Wahoo, Hearts Bursting With Love, Burning-Bush Euonymus, Eastern Burningbush, Eastern Burningbush, American Wahoo, Fusain De L’Est, Fusain Pourpre

Scientific Names: , Euonymus atropurpureus, Euonymus atropurpureus var. atropurpureus, Euonymus latifolius, Euonymus atropurpurea var. atropurpurea, Euonymus atropurpureus var. cheatumis, Euonymus atropurpureus var. grandifolius, Euonymus atropurpureus var. latifolius, Euonymus atropurpureus var. oblongifolius, Euonymus carolinensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq.