Wahoo
Euonymus atropurpureus
Family: Celastraceae
Deciduous bush. Native to the eastern hardwood forests of America.
The Fox and Mohegan tribes used the straight wood of this beautiful shrub
for making their arrows. The root bark they employed as a physic,
that is to purge the body, this being a rather heroic but generally effective
treatment for fevers and general internal malaise. The Eclectics
discovered that the root bark, made into a simple infusion, syrup or extract
and used in moderate dosage serves to stimulate the liver, improve appetite
and provide a gentle laxative effect. The bush is less well-known
these days, recognized by those familiar with the Appalachian Mountains
as a little shrub which bears hanging clusters of strawberry-colored seeds
in the fall. It is a companion plant of Black Cohosh and Wild Yam.
Cultivation: Extra care. Sow outdoors in a nursery bed in the late
summer or fall for germination in the spring. Prefers partial shade,
moist and humusy ground. Space bushes at least 4 feet apart.
Grows 5 to 10 feet tall.
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