- Euonymus atropurpureus L.
- E. europoeus
- Staff-tree family
Parts Usually Used
Bark and root bark
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Wahoo is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 25 feet
high. The bark is gray and its smooth, somewhat quadrangular branches
bear opposite, elliptic, pointed leaves that are finely serrate and
fine-haired underneath. Axillary cymes of 7 or more purple flowers
appear during June. The fruit develops in October and is a scarlet,
four-lobed capsule containing brown seeds with scarlet arils. Its
most striking appearance is presented in winter, when its pale purple
fruits have burst open and been exposed by the fallen leaves, all
against a backdrop of glaring snow. It is this appearance which has
earned it the nickname of burning bush. Wahoo can be recognized by
the unusual structure of its fruit after the leaves drop in the autumn.
For medicinal use, the bark should be gathered in the fall. The
fruits may be attractive but they are considered poisonous and should
not be used.
Found in moist woods and along riverbanks in the eastern United States;
as far west as Montana and Texas. Ontario to Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas,
Oklahoma to North Dakota.
Cholagogue (increases flow of bile to the intestine), alterative,
cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, tonic
Bitter principle, euonic acid, crystalline glucoside, asparagins,
fat, culvitol, 14% ash and resins.
Legends, Myths and Stories
The name "Wahoo" is a Native American name, most commonly applied
to a large shrub or small tree. The name wahoo is also given to an
Elm (Ulmus alata) and another variety, Euonymus americanus.
The European settlers didn't take long to pick up the Native American
applications of wahoo bark, using it for laxative, diuretic, and tonic
effects. Something of a nineteenth century fad developed, and the
bark went into various patent medicines and was extremely popular
for a time in England. It was listed as an official drug plant. In
1912, a report was published showing the plant produced digitalis-like
effect on the heart, boosting the herb's popularity as a heart medicine.
But 4 years later wahoo was dropped as an official drug plant, though
it continued to be included in the National Formulary until 1947.
Wahoo was a popular diuretic drug during the nineteenth century.
It was also recommended for chest and lung
excellent laxative, used
to treat malaria (better than
quinine they say), dropsy, and fever.
After the discovery early this century that wahoo has a digitalis-like
effect on the heart, it also became popular as a cardiac drug.
It is basically a stomach bitter that removes liver congestion and
thus relieves pains and congestion in the chest. A decoction of the
bark will stimulate bile flow and have a mild laxative action; and
also is useful for treating venereal
diseases, uterine discharge, skin ailments and to induce vomiting.
It is a remedy for dandruff
and scalp problems.
Formulas or Dosages
Infusion: steep 1 level tsp. bark in 1 cup water for 30 minutes.
Take 1/2 to 1 cup an hour before meals for indigestion.
Decoction: 1 oz. bark boiled slowly in a pint of water. When
cooled, the decoction is served 2 to 3 times per day in wineglassful
The bark may also be steeped in grain alcohol (not rubbing alcohol)
to make a tincture, given in 5-10 drop doses (3-9 gms), usually mixed
with water or on sugar.
The leaves, bark, and fruit of wahoo are considered poisonous and
can cause various symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, cold sweats,
The fruits may be attractive but they are considered poisonous and
should not be used.
Using too much wahoo bark or root bark may result in a severe purgative
Should be used under medical supervision.