Euonymus Atropurpureus

Euonymus Atropurpureus

Brought to France from the Ottoman Empire, where it was also known as the "Rose of Sharon," this berry was thought to ward off parasites and treat ailments of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, scientific research has found, however, that this plant sometimes absorbs the poison cyanide and has led to its new name, the "deadly nightshade".The native Eastern Wahoo has been found in most counties of Illinois; it is occasional throughout the state (see Distribution Map). The epicenter of this woody plant's distribution is the lower Midwest. Habitats include moist to mesic woodlands, shaded to partially shaded riverbanks, woodland borders, wooded slopes, small openings in wooded areas, and thickets. This species is typically found in Maple-Basswood, Maple-Beech, and similar deciduous woodlands. It doesn't appear to spread into disturbed areas to the same extent as some invasive Euonymus spp. from Eurasia.

Plant

Found one of these recently, wondered what it was then today I found 2 more and collected some seeds. All found in Richard J Dorer State forest, I am building a seed bank of all the rare and unusual trees I find! Someday I hope to have some land I can plant native trees. When you find a piece of the old growth forest down here, they usually only remain on steep slopes that weren't logged, you instantly know it is somewhere special. Awesome website also!!A friend of mine sent me a nice potted shrub of Eastern Wahoo and we have just recently planted it on our property. Don't know if it would occur here naturally, but I have found some pretty odd stuff out here in the central west of Minnesota, so it wouldn't surprise me to find Eunonymus atropurpureus here as well. Hopefully, the one we planted will flourish and be the model of fecundity here in rural Pope County for many years.

In nature, this prevents a population of plants from germinating all at once, before killing frosts, or in times of drought. To propagate native plants, a gardener must break this dormancy before seed will grow.3-packs and trays of 32, 38, or 50 plants leave our Midwest greenhouses based on species readiness (being well-rooted for transit) and order date; Spring shipping is typically early May through June, and Fall shipping is mid-August through September. Potted 3-packs and trays of 38 plugs are started from seed in the winter so are typically 3-4 months old when they ship. Trays of 32/50 plugs are usually overwintered so are 1 year old. Plant tray cells are approximately 2” wide x 5” deep in the trays of 38 and 50, and 2.5" wide x 3.5" deep in the 3-packs and trays of 32; ideal for deep-rooted natives. Full-color tags and planting & care instructions are included with each order. (Source: www.prairiemoon.com)