Large, gangly shrub or small tree with simple, opposite, finely toothed leaves. The four-parted flowers are small and purplish (hence the specific epithet atropurpureus), the fruits burst open to reveal bright red seeds. Compare with the smaller and much more common Euonymus americanus.

Quite rare in North Carolina, Wahoo has been found in only a few counties. The usual habitat is riverbanks and rich bottomland forest, but it may be found in drier sites over basic rock. In NC we have variety atropurpureus; another variety occurs in Texas.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

The stems are greenish and may be slightly angled.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Bark of a small shrub.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.