Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus) - Part 1

Euonymus americanus is known by the common names Strawberry Bush, Bursting-heart, and Hearts-a-bustin'. So far, At Fort Yargo State Park, there are only a few bushes that I know of. They are growing along the Rock Garden, north of the Fishing Area (segment 12); I know of only one south of the Fishing Area (segment 13)

The buds are developing.

The shrub with flowers. In this site, the shrubs are only about 24 inches high.

The flowers in profile; they lie close against the leaves.

Flowers and buds, a closer view.

A flower with pollen, up close.

The flower has been pollinated.

The fruit is just starting to develop.
To be continued…

Euonymus americanus (Strawberry Bush) is native to the eastern United States. It grows in states south and east from New York in the north to Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma to Texas.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Euonymus americanus (Bursting-heart)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Euonymus americanus

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Euonymus americanus
- Missouri Plants: Euonymus americanus

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower