Euonymus atropurpureus aka Bitter Ash

Euonymus atropurpureus is known as eastern wahoo or burning bush. It belongs to the bittersweet family, Celastraceae. This native North American plant grows as a shrub or small tree. Its range spans eastern Canada and much of the United States. It reaches Florida in the south and Texas farther west. Wild plants grow in damp woods, thickets, and along streams.

It sheds its leaves each year and branches near the ground. The crown spreads wide and can have a flat top. Garden plants reach about 12–25 feet [3.7–7.6 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres]. RHS gives an upper size of 26 feet [8 metres] each way. Thin, rough, gray bark covers the trunk and large branches. Young shoots start green, then turn brown as they age. Some stems have four sides rather than a round shape. The simple oval leaves grow in pairs and have fine teeth. Their tops are dark green, with fine hairs beneath. Leaves turn yellow, red, or purple-red before they fall.

Small purple flowers open from late spring into early summer. The bloom season lasts about a month, often spanning May and June. Each flower has four petals and grows in a branched cluster. Small bees and flies visit the blooms. Four-lobed capsules ripen in fall and split to show the seeds. Bright scarlet flesh wraps each brown seed. The fruit display and fall leaves provide the main garden interest. Birds seek the fruit, while moth larvae eat the leaves.

Wahoo grows in sun or part shade and needs good drainage. It favors moist, rich loam but accepts clay and sand. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. North Carolina State advises shelter from strong midday sun. Growth is moderate, and routine upkeep is low. Hardiness reports differ, with USDA ranges from 3–7 to 4–9. RHS rates it H5 for UK gardens. Use it in woodland gardens, native plant beds, or loose hedges. It can also form a screen and tolerates nearby black walnut.

Scale insects can attack wahoo, as can vine weevils and caterpillars. Deer and rabbits may damage plants. Disease risks include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and honey fungus. People once used the bark, leaves, and fruit as medicine. These uses do not make it safe to eat. All parts can poison people and pets if swallowed. Large amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart rhythm problems. Reports of past fruit use do not justify eating it.