Wahoo- Indian Arrow Wood - Burning Bush, Eastern wahoo
Euonymus atropurpureus

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

Euonymus atropurpureus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

Rich woods and thickets, the best specimens are found in deep rich humus soils. Limstone soils, stream bottoms and woods in Texas.

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Florida, Montana, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Although the fruit has sometimes been eaten, it is considered to be poisonous by some writers and so should definitely be avoided. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Wahoo was used in various ways by the North American Indians, for example as an eye lotion, as a poultice for facial sores and for gynaecological conditions. In current herbalism it is considered to be a gallbladder remedy with laxative and diuretic properties. The bark, however, is toxic and should only be used under professional supervision, it should not be given to pregnant women or nursing mothers. The stem and root bark is alterative, cardiac, cathartic, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, laxative, stimulant and tonic. The root bark is the part normally used, though bark from the stems is sometimes employed as a substitute. In small doses it stimulates the appetite, in larger doses it irritates the intestines. The bark is especially useful in the treatment of biliousness and liver disorders which follow or accompany fevers and for treating various skin disorders such as eczema which could arise from poor liver and gallbladder function. It is also used as a tea in the treatment of malaria, liver congestion, constipation etc. The powdered bark, applied to the scalp, was believed to eliminate dandruff. The bark and the root contain digitoxin and have a digitalis-like effect on the heart. They have been used in the treatment of heart conditions. The bark, which has a sweetish taste, is gathered in the autumn and can be dried for later use. A tea made from the roots is used in cases of uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood, painful urination and stomach-aches. The seed is emetic and strongly laxative.

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

Wood - heavy, hard, tough, very close grained. It weighs 41lb per cubic foot, but is too small to be of commercial value.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. Requires shade from the midday sun. A moderately fast-growing but short-lived tree in the wild.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 8 - 12 weeks warm followed by 8 - 16 weeks cold stratification and can then be sown in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The fruits, seed and bark are considered to be poisonous. Adverse effects include diarrhoea, vomiting, chills, seizures, syncope and weakness. Toxic in excessive doses .

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Euonymus caroliniensis Marshall. Euonymus latifolius Marshall. Euonymus tristis Salisb.