Other Names:
Spindle, Spindle Tree, Strawberry Bush, Hearts-a-bustin', Hearts Bursting with Love

Eastern Wahoo is a native shrub found in parts of Virginia. Birds can safely eat the fruit, but not many species choose to do so. The fruit is toxic to humans. Eastern Wahoo attracts beetles, flies, and small bees; some moth caterpillars, weevils and other insects eat the foliage. It is popular among gardeners, because in addition to the colorful fruit and petals, the leaves turn pink in the fall. The name wahoo comes from the Dakota language and means arrow wood because the stiff, straight stems were used for arrows.

Identification Tools

Illinois Wildflowers Friends of the Wildflower Garden Go Botany Missouri Department of Conservation

Ranges

North America Virginia

Return to the Index