Euonymus atropurpureus
Eastern Wahoo

 Plant Type:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flowers:
Purple (Deep, dark purple.)
 Foliage:
Green (Dark green in summer.); Red (Brilliant red fall color)
 Fruit:
Red (Crimson red capsules)
 Ultimate Height:
12-24 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
15-25 feet
 Soil:
Prefers moist, well drained soils, pH adaptable.
 Range:
Eastern United states, north to Minnesota, and west to Texas
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Leaves are opposite, simple, elliptic, to ovate-elliptic, 1 1/2 to 5" long, 3/4 to 2 1/4" wide, acuminate, serrulate, dark green, pubescent beneath; petiole - 1/3 to 2/3" long. Buds are small, green tinged red, appressed, with 5 to 6 scales. Stems are slender, greenish, glabrous, usually more or less (mostly less) 4-angled, often with slight, corky lines. Fruit capsules are smooth, 3/5" diameter, deeply 4-lobed, and crimson when ripe. Seeds bright red and appear when capsules split open.

Additional Information

The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom in mid-summer. Bright red fruit capsules ripen in early fall, attracting wildlife. Great shrub/small tree selection for a rain garden.

When Euonymus atropurpureus has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
No Fruiting Observations Available

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