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Wahoo

Euonymus atropurpureus

Other common name(s):

Burningbush, Spindle Tree, Eastern Wahoo, Burning Bush

Family:

Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies
Semiarid Edwards Bajada
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

15
to
25
ft.

Spread

10
to
15
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Rich, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Berry, Fruit, Fall Color

Wildlife Benefit

Birds

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. Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed.

Comments

Blooms March-August. 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. Birds eat fruit.
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.

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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