Euonymus americanus - Hearts-a-Burstin
DESCRIPTION
Hearts-a-BurstinEuonymus americanus
Hearts-a-Burstin are known for their incredible fall fruit. The deep pink capsules burst open to reveal scarlet seeds. It is a wonderful plant to add to naturalized settings under taller shrubs and trees. Under ideal conditions it forms loose, open clumps of green stems, but it would never be considered invasive or aggressive. It also works well in moist sites like a pond or streams edge. It is easy to grow and adaptable to a wide variety of soil types.
BENEFITS
A fine plant for naturalizing under larger shrubs and treesSongbirds and wild turkey eat the seed
Prized for incredible scarlet red fruits
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Orange to red fall color
Spreads but not aggressively
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Strawberry bush grows in deciduous woods, sandy thickets, swamps, woodlands, shady edges, ravines, and stream sides.
INTERESTING FACTS
Hearts-a-Burstin (Euonymus americanus) is terrific shrub for naturalized settings. It should not be confused with Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) an Asian plant that can be invasive.
GROWING TIPS
This versatile shrub will tolerate a wide rang of well-drained soil types but does not tolerate drought well. In nature it is found under tall trees and prefers a site in part shade. While it doesn’t require any pruning, it can be cut back to control height. Protect young plants from deer.
Mature Size: 5-12ft. Tall x 4-6ft. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Part Shade
VIDEO
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download