// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Eastern Wahoo

Euonymus atropurpureus

Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a shrub in the Celastraceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms Mar–Aug.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Celastraceae
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 38 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–8a
Mature size: 10'–25'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: Mar–Aug
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native understory shrub · crimson fall color · bird fruit

Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) — *Euonymus atropurpureus* — Eastern Wahoo. Photo by Mason Brock (Masebrock) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a shrub in the Celastraceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms Mar–Aug.

Why it's on this list: native understory shrub · crimson fall color · bird fruit. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, eastern wahoo pairs naturally with: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), Texan great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida var. texana), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida var. trifida).