Wahoo- Indian Arrow Wood - Burning Bush, Eastern wahoo

Euonymus atropurpureus

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Florida, Montana, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

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].

Medicinal Uses

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].

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].