Yes, you read that right. Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a small tree that is native to most of the Midwest, including Kentucky. Ours is now at peak color, and this cardinal apparently thought it was time to sample the seeds.
Our 13-year-old tree is rather non-descript until this time of year. Then its leaves turn yellowish and the seedpods become a bright pink.
It won’t be long until the leaves drop and the rose-colored seedpods open, making the bright red berries visible and more accessible to the birds.
I find this to be another of nature’s amazing displays. It’s a rare treat to spot these showy seedpods when we’re out hiking in the woods, and I’m delighted to have them in our backyard.
Betty, absolutely beautiful. I was unfamiliar with that tree. Thanks for sharing. I always learn from your posts. Thanks. Sara
Sara, I don’t think you’re alone in not knowing about the wahoo. I’d like to see more folks planting it.
Nice! The Wahoo might have to be on my “wish list”. Seed pods remind me of Hearts a Bursting, which I do have in my yard. Think the Wahoo would do well in Virginia Beach?
Thanks, as always for sharing your photo.
Christine Howells
Christine, according to Wikipedia, its range extends from southern Ontario south to northern Florida and Texas. And you are near the same latitude as we are, so I think it would be worth a try. It’s also in the same family as hearts-a-bustin (Euonymus)
WOW for the Wahoo. It’s absolutely beautiful and leaves me somewhat “jealous” for not having such gift up where we live!!!
Louise, maybe worth a try? I’m not sure how far south you are (see comment to Christine).
What a beautiful fall blooming tree! and well named too. I did a quick search and found on the Fine Gardening web site
http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/euonymus-atropurpureus-eastern-wahoo.aspx
that it is hardy from zones 3 to 7 – even I might be able to grow it. Finding a source to purchase might be the tricky part! If you find one Louise, let me know.Thanks Betty for the stunning photos and love the Cardinal surrounded by berries.
Marsha, glad you are tempted. If all else fails, Shooting Star Nursery in Kentucky and Missouri Wildflowers Nursery both carry wahoo trees. I’ve used both of these sources and they both ship plants.
Betty, been thinking about you, hope all is well, need to do lunch sometime..
would you let me know when your frost flowers bloom, I kinda know where some are near here,, will go looking…can remember those when I was a child…
Linda, I’ll be watching for frost flowers anytime now that the temperature dips to the mid 20s (and as long as the ground isn’t frozen). Hope you find some. If not, I’ll be glad to share whatever appears in the backyard.
Beautiful photos – those seed pods look like they could be Valentine candies! I have never seen this grown before but this spring I bought a running strawberry bush (Euonymus obovatus) which is a ground cover related to your Wahoo – it’s supposedly a ground cover native to western NY state. It’s still in its container while I figure out a good place for it on our farm but I look forward to seeing those seedpods.
Ellen, I like your idea of the wahoo seedpods as Valentine candies. I hope your running strawberry bush does well. I’d like to see one growing.
The best fall scene I have seen this year. Seems Fall kinda missed this area this year, very little color.
Thanks, David. I’m still not sure how much color we will have here in Kentucky. So far, rather limited,however I’m still hoping.
What a cute tree! Once again you’ve taught me something new 🙂
I did an internet search and apparently it is also a host plant for several interesting moth caterpillars. Thank you for posting such beautiful photos!
I appreciate your research, Judy. Another good reason to use it in our landscapes.
What a fantastic fusion of form and color!!! This tree is new to me also. It is absolutely gorgeous and reminds me of the “Bleeding Heart” plant. The Cardinal is also a treat as we don’t have them in this part of the country. Thanks for sharing Betty!
Thanks, Ruth, for the reminder of how lucky we are to have beautiful cardinals in our yards. It’s easy for us to take them for granted.
I noticed this tree in our yard for the first time. The seed pods are brilliant! Thanks for helping me ID!
Inger,
Thanks for your comment on Cardinal in the Wahoo tree. I’m glad I could help you identify it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. Have checked out your website. Love your recipes and photographs. Keep up the good work. Betty