Seeing this cheerful bush in the forest always makes me smile. It is such a bright burst of red and I love the name.
Some people identified it correctly– it’s called strawberry bush, or hearts-a-bursting (Euonymus americanus) There are many other common names for this bush, including Bursting Heart, hearts-bustin’-with-love, Wahoo, fish wood, burning bush, hearts-a-burstin-love,running strawberry bush and fish wood. If I get some extra time I need to read about the origin of some of these common names as they are quite interesting!
It is native to the southeastern United States. Right now in the forest of western NC, you can see the bright red berries. According to the NC State Extension, “It is native to wooded slopes, moist woodland and creek or river areas, and is found in a variety of soil conditions ranging from sandy to clay. The typical range is from New York coast all the way south and across Texas and inland to the midwest from all those points. ”
Here’s what it looks like in the spring:
Hey, before you go, just wanted to tell you that if you live locally to western NC, there are some upcoming events you might enjoy–especially if you are wanting to add any great native perennials to your garden! Fall is a great time for planting! My friend Kim, who owns Milkweed Meadows Farm will be there selling some of her plants.
Saturday, September 23, 11 AM – 3 PM
Mountain Monarch Festival (FREE!)
Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC
Friday, September 29 & Saturday, September 30, 10 AM – 3 PM
Fall Plant Sale & Vendor Market + Monarch Butterfly Day (September 30)
The North Carolina Arboretum ($20 parking fee for non-members), 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC