Euonymus americanus / Hearts-a-Bursting

Hearts-a-bursting is a shrub found in fertile forest understories and sandy low woods. Its unusual common name arises from its showy fruit capsules that split open to reveal pendant red arils. The plant is highly shade tolerant and will sometimes seek sunny spots in the understory with lax, layering stems.

In landscaping, it is showy and unusual. Its shade tolerance and slender form make it suitable for woodland gardens. It spreads by suckering and layering but is not highly aggressive.

Height: to 6′     Blooms: May, June     Fruits: September, October

Siting: Average to moist soils, part sun to shade

Deer Resistance: Low

Provenance: NJ