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.