Bursting-Heart (Strawberry Bush) Euonymus americana is a native perennial shrub (6′ X 3′) with dark green foliage that occurs in moist woods, low woodlands, and along waterways most commonly outside the coastal parishes of Louisiana. It tolerates most soil conditions and thrives in part shade. Bursting-Heart flowers May – August.
Leaves turn red in Fall when its red fruit opens to expose orange seeds for an attractive Fall display. Birds and small mammals eat the fruit. The stems and leaves are browsed by rabbits and are a preferred browse of Whitetail Deer; the plant will disappear where deer populations are high.