Because it is a relative of the immensely popular burning bush ( E. alatus ), it isn’t surprising that eastern wahoo has great fall color. This North American native grows as a small tree in the southern part of its range and as a large shrub on the Plains. The bright red of its fall foliage is amplified and extended by abundant clusters of scarlet fruits that persist after the leaves have fallen, providing color even into midwinter. Eastern wahoo is effective as an accent plant or when massed wherever a bold, surprising splash of color is desired.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsU.S. native. Beautiful fall color and fruit.
CareProvide full sun to partial shade and deep, fertile soil.
PropagationRoot greenwood cuttings in summer, or sow fresh seed in a cold frame.
ProblemsScale.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Euonymus
- Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Fruit
- Plant Type : Shrubs
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.