A native relative of the infamous, wildly invasive ‘burning bush’ (Euonymus alatus), eastern wahoo boasts similar fall color and showier flowers and seeds! The fruits, as they mature, are just a simple joy to behold. Enjoys moist, but not swampy, soil, and part shade. Can be trained as either a small tree or a bush.

First three pictures are curtsey of Greg Sommer. Thank you!

Pollination: Likely self pollinating.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loam

Height: 12’-20’ 

Width: 15’-25’

Bloom Color: Red, Purple

Bloom Time: June

Fruit: Red seeds in bright pink capsules mature in fall.

Fall Color: Red

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly bees, beetles, and flies. Hosts a few moths such as the saddleback looper and American ermine, and a few other small insects. Seeds are not favored but are still eaten by a variety of birds in the winter, including catbirds, thrashers, and cardinals. Commonly browsed by deer.

Notes: Historically had a variety of medicinal uses, but all parts of the plant are poisonous. So don’t do that.