shrubN. America Native

Strawberry Bush

Euonymus americanus

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Euonymus americanus is an upright, suckering, deciduous shrub native to woodlands of the eastern and southeastern U.S. It is noted for its unique fruit, fall color, and green stems. The common name Strawberry Bush refers to the warty, crimson-red seed capsules that split open in fall to reveal showy, fleshy orange seeds. This spectacular fruiting display is the plant's primary ornamental feature.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental value is its stunning autumn display of warty, scarlet fruit capsules that burst open to reveal bright orange seeds. The slender, green, four-sided stems also provide subtle winter interest.

This shrub is an excellent choice for difficult shady, moist areas of the landscape where other plants might struggle. It can be used to naturalize in woodland gardens and along stream banks.

The fleshy seeds are a food source for various bird species, including bluebirds and wild turkeys. The inconspicuous flowers attract small pollinators. It is a host plant for the American Ermine Moth.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shady or partially shaded site with rich, moist soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Gently tease out the roots if they are circling the pot.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves.

Pro Tip

Protect from deer, as they find this plant exceptionally palatable and will browse it to the ground.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with afternoon shade.
Provide consistent moisture, especially in hotter climates.
Mulch with organic matter to keep roots cool and moist.
Allow it to naturalize in woodland settings.

Don't

Don't plant in full sun or dry, poor soil.
Avoid planting where deer are prevalent without protection.
Do not ingest any part of the plant; it is poisonous.
Don't allow the soil to completely dry out.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Unique specimen for woodland gardensNaturalized understory plantingFall interest accent in shade borders

Companion Plants

Asarum canadense Polystichum acrostichoides Hydrangea arborescens Tiarella cordifolia Lindera benzoin

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Strawberry Bush questions

What zones can Strawberry Bush grow in?

Strawberry Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Strawberry Bush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Strawberry Bush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Strawberry Bush bloom?

Strawberry Bush typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Strawberry Bush need full sun?

Strawberry Bush does best in part shade.