Euonymus atropurpurea var. atropurpureus (Eastern Wahoo)

Botanical Information

FamilyCelastraceae
GenusEuonymus
Speciesatropurpurea
Varietyatropurpureus
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
ReferencesNelson G, Earle C, Spellenberg R (2014) Trees of Eastern North America, New Jersey, Princeton University Press. Dirr, M. (1975, Revised 1977,1983,1990,1998,2009) Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Champaign Illinois: Stipes Publishing.
OriginNative to Eastern North America, Maine to Ontario, North Dakota, Florida and Texas.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The bark, leaves and fruit were previously used for a variety of medicinal purposes by First Nations People such as eye lotion, a poultice for facial sores and for gynecological conditions: now considered poisonous.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4b - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height7 m
Spread6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeIrregular and rounded to broad-headed.
LandscapeAs an informal hedge or screen.
PropagationSeeds requires 8-12 weeks of warmth followed by 8-16 weeks of cold stratification. When large enough place in individual pots and move to greenhouse for first winter. Place them in their permanent positions in spring/ early summer.
CultivationWell drained soil, in full sun to part shade. Will tolerate a wide range of soils but will not tolerate moist or poorly drained soil. Prefers a pH of 6.8-7.2.
PestsSusceptible to scale, powder mildew, crown gaul, cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose.
Notable SpecimensSka-nah- doht Iroquoian Village, Melbourne Ontario, Canada.
HabitatRiverbanks, woodland borders, mountain wooded slopes, small openings in wooded areas and thickets.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall and appressed with 5 to 6 scales.
Leaf DescriptionOpposite leaves, ovate to narrowly ovate and finely serrated or crenate.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are 8 mm, consists of 4 petals, sepals and 4 short stamens with anthers. Oval in shape.
Fruit Description1.5 cm diameter capsule and 4 lobed crimson glabrous.
Colour DescriptionFoliage is a nice vibrant green but in autumn turn a yellowish-red. The bark is greyish-green with reddish-brown streaks smooth and slightly scaly. The seed is brown with a scarlet aril.
Texture DescriptionSmooth to slightly scaly.

Photographs