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Euonymus atropurpureus - Jacq.

Common Name Wahoo- Indian Arrow Wood - Burning Bush, Eastern wahoo
Family Celastraceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards The fruits, seed and bark are considered to be poisonous[222]. Adverse effects include diarrhoea, vomiting, chills, seizures, syncope and weakness. Toxic in excessive doses [301].
Habitats Rich woods and thickets[43], the best specimens are found in deep rich humus soils[229]. Limstone soils, stream bottoms and woods in Texas[274].
Range Eastern N. America - Ontario to Florida, Montana, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Euonymus atropurpureus Wahoo- Indian Arrow Wood - Burning Bush, Eastern wahoo


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Masebrock
Euonymus atropurpureus Wahoo- Indian Arrow Wood - Burning Bush, Eastern wahoo
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 2: 491.

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Although the fruit has sometimes been eaten, it is considered to be poisonous by some writers and so should definitely be avoided[213]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[200].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Alterative  Cardiac  Cathartic  Cholagogue  Diuretic  Eczema  Emetic  Expectorant  
Hepatic  Malaria  Tonic

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[254]. In current herbalism it is considered to be a gallbladder remedy with laxative and diuretic properties[254]. The bark, however, is toxic and should only be used under professional supervision, it should not be given to pregnant women or nursing mothers[254]. The stem and root bark is alterative, cardiac, cathartic, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, laxative, stimulant and tonic[4, 21, 46, 61, 222]. The root bark is the part normally used, though bark from the stems is sometimes employed as a substitute[4]. In small doses it stimulates the appetite, in larger doses it irritates the intestines[4]. The bark is especially useful in the treatment of biliousness and liver disorders which follow or accompany fevers[4, 254] and for treating various skin disorders such as eczema which could arise from poor liver and gallbladder function[254]. It is also used as a tea in the treatment of malaria, liver congestion, constipation etc[222]. The powdered bark, applied to the scalp, was believed to eliminate dandruff[222]. The bark and the root contain digitoxin and have a digitalis-like effect on the heart[213, 222]. They have been used in the treatment of heart conditions[254]. The bark, which has a sweetish taste, is gathered in the autumn and can be dried for later use[213]. A tea made from the roots is used in cases of uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood, painful urination and stomach-aches[222]. The seed is emetic and strongly laxative[222].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - heavy, hard, tough, very close grained[82, 227]. It weighs 41lb per cubic foot[227], but is too small to be of commercial value[229].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[200]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[1]. Requires shade from the midday sun[1, 11]. A moderately fast-growing but short-lived tree in the wild[229].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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[78, 98]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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