Euonymus americanus

An interesting plant for naturalizing, this native shrub comes to us from the wooded slopes, low woods and streambanks from New York to Pennsylvania and over to Texas! Somewhat sprawling when juvenile before becoming an erect 4-6' suckering shrub with age. Inconspicuous yellow spring blooms are followed in fall by unusual deep-pink warty fruits. The fruit bursts open to reveal scarlet seeds which always elicits delighted comments and gives it another common name of 'bursting heart'. Emerald-green foliage turns to stunning shades of orange and red in autumn; super! S-PSh/M

This is a native shrub but not well known in gardens. Its habit is loose and open, but pruning and sun will thicken its form. At its very best in early fall when warty red fruit capsules ripen and open to reveal a brighter red seed inside. Also known as ?Hearts-a-Bursting? for this trait, and this makes it a favorite with children. This is a good woodland plant and can take lots of shade. Only grows 4-5? in ten years. When people ask for something different for their shade garden we frequently recommend this plant.

Many euonymous have to be planted with care because they're so invasive. Which is why you might consider this Eastern US native instead. Bright green foliage forms a loose shrub to four or five feet, but the best part is the fruits ? bright red capsules that, when ripe in the fall, split open to expose screaming orange seeds. The effect is bright, garish, and wonderful. In the wild, this is one of the many plants being threatened by deer overpopulation. They adore this plant, and are gobbling many populations down to nothing. So, not the best choice if you have deer problems in your yard, but if you have a deer fence or can otherwise protect this from the four-footed vermine, they could use a safe-haven from the onslaught that is devastating them in the wild. Zone 5