Contents
Description
Euonymus Americanus, commonly known as American strawberry bush, is a species of flowering plant in the bittersweet family. It is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The plant has a unique appearance, with green leaves that turn red in the fall and small, bright pink fruits that resemble strawberries. The fruits are not edible and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
Appearance
The American strawberry bush has a unique appearance that makes it a popular choice for landscaping. It has green leaves that are shiny and oval-shaped, with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant red color, adding a pop of color to any garden. The plant also produces small, pink fruits that resemble strawberries, but are not edible. The fruits are surrounded by a bright pink, fleshy covering that makes them stand out against the green foliage.
Care Guide
To keep your Euonymus Americanus healthy and thriving, follow these care tips:
Water: Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Euonymus Americanus prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may develop yellow leaves.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade, but may not produce as many fruits.
Hardiness Zones: Euonymus Americanus is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
While Euonymus Americanus is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Some common problems include:
Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves and premature leaf drop.
Leaf spot: This disease can cause brown or black spots on leaves, which can lead to defoliation.
Habitat
Euonymus Americanus is native to the eastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and swamps. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Euonymus Americanus poisonous?
A: The fruits of this plant are not edible and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Euonymus Americanus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to grow and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When should I prune Euonymus Americanus?
A: Prune your plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: How do I propagate Euonymus Americanus?
A: You can propagate this plant through stem cuttings taken in the summer or fall.
Related Plants
If you like Euonymus Americanus, you may also be interested in these related plants:
- Euonymus alatus
- Euonymus fortunei
- Euonymus japonicus
References
- “Euonymus Americanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 2 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277660&isprofile=0&
- “Euonymus Americanus.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 2 May 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euonymus-americanus/
- “American Strawberry Bush.” University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture. Accessed 2 May 2021. https://www.uky.edu/hort/American-strawberry-bush
