Strawberry Bush, Hearts-a-Burstin'
euonymus americanus
Also known as: ["Hearts-a-Burstin'","Bursting Heart","Hearts Bursting with Love"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive pinkish-red fruits that split open to reveal orange seeds, resembling strawberries.
Benefits & Perks
["seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Celastrales |
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Genus: | Euonymus |
| Botanical Name: | Euonymus americanus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, border, or naturalized area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light throughout the day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from intense afternoon sun; ideal for understory planting.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct afternoon sun; prefers filtered light; adjust based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 90°F; prefers cool summers.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot summers; maintain consistent soil moisture.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; apply before new growth emerges; skip fertilization in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage denser growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged wood; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch with organic material.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or discolor in extreme cold; growth slows or halts below 20°F.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from cold winds; avoid planting in exposed, frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched foliage in prolonged heat above 85°F.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with stems.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in shade.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Euonymus americanus may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats upon ingestion. The alkaloids can lead to discomfort but are not generally considered highly toxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Euonymus americanus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs when ingested. The alkaloids present may lead to discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Euonymus americanus contain alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects typically observed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Euonymus americanus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: What are the distinctive features of Euonymus americanus?
A: It is known for its pinkish-red fruits that split open to reveal orange seeds, resembling strawberries.
Q: Does Euonymus americanus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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