Bursting-heart (Euonymus americanus, Sp. Pl.: 197 (1753))

Family: Celastraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 197 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euonymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Bursting-heart, scientifically known as Euonymus americanus, is a captivating member of the Celastraceae family. Native to central and eastern parts of the United States, this plant has enchanted botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its distinctive appearance and intriguing characteristics.

First described in 1753, Bursting-heart has stood the test of time, maintaining its charm and significance in the world of botany since its initial documentation. The author credited with its classification is none other than the renowned naturalist Carl Linnaeus, who included it in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.”

Euonymus americanus is a deciduous shrub that can often be found thriving in the understory of forests, preferring shady, moist environments. It typically reaches a modest height, making it an unassuming presence in its natural habitat. However, its true allure lies in the striking appearance of its fruit, which seems to burst open, hence the common name “Bursting-heart.” The fruit capsules split to reveal bright red seeds, creating a striking contrast with the plant’s more subdued green foliage.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Bursting-heart offers value to local ecosystems. It provides food and habitat for various species of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity and health of forested areas in which it grows.

Easy to cultivate and maintain, Euonymus americanus serves as a beautiful ornamental shrub in garden settings as well. However, care should be taken to replicate its natural growing conditions to ensure the best results.

Bursting-heart, with its vibrant fruit and rich history, remains a fascinating subject of study and admiration—a testament to the enduring beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Common Names

Deu: amerikanischer spindelstrauch
Eng: bursting-heart, hearts-bustin’-with-love, strawberry bush, strawberry-bush
En: Bursting-heart, Hearts-bustin’-with-love, Strawberry-bush, American Strawberry-bush, Strawberry bush
Ar: مضاض أمريكي
Az: Amerika gərməşovu
De: Amerikanischer Spindelstrauch
Fa: شمشاد آمریکایی

Synonyms

• Euonymus americanus var. angustifolius ((Pursh) Alph.Wood)
• Euonymus americanus var. sarmentosus (Nutt.)
• Euonymus muricatus (Raf.)
• Euonymus sarmentosus (G.Don)
• Euonymus alternifolius (Moench)
• Euonymus heterophylus (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 22, 2019 by Jeremy Jeremy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Stephanie Grant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Meilan Higgins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Lea Valentine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by len.lenard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 11, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2015 by EOL − yaoshawn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 5, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 11, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Bernadette Connor (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2020 by Lucas Toh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2019 by Andrew Stanley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Danny DJ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by rhonda prather (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by sarah causey (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Beans Halberstam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by gene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Heather Morvay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Otto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by John John Swafford (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 13, 2015 by EOL − marystarkp (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 4, 2012 by EOL − James Shelton (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 24, 2013 by EOL − naturelady (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 25, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 6, 2018 by Cyd Hamilton (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Dávid Pénzes (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169130)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30067863-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euonymus americanus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth