Common Name: Wahoo

General Information

Euonymus atropurpureus is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall[]. The bole is short, but can be up to 20cm in diameter in larger specimens[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Euonymus atropurpureus has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major
threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].
Euonymus atropurpureus is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It can escape from cultivation, ahd has become naturalized in parts of eastern N. America.

Known Hazards

The fruits, seed and bark are considered to be poisonous[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - North Dakota to Maine, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Rich moist woods and thickets, hillsides, the best specimens being found in deep rich humus soils; at elevations up to 400 metres[, , ]. Limstone soils, stream bottoms and woods in Texas[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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[].

Medicinal

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 are 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[].

Other Uses

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

Propagation

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, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].