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Running Euonymus

Euonymus obovatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Running Euonymus (Euonymus obovatus)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Running Euonymus (Euonymus obovatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AR, GA, IL, IN and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsErie Drift PlainBlue RidgeCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Running strawberry bush is a low-growing native groundcover that spreads by underground runners to form colonies. It produces small inconspicuous flowers in late spring followed by ornamental red berries in fall, along with attractive orange-red autumn foliage.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Running Euonymus takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Spreads aggressively by runners
  • Can look sparse or weedy in formal settings
  • May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small pollinators like bees and beetles in late spring. Birds and small mammals eat the colorful berries in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Running Euonymus need?
Running Euonymus grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Running Euonymus bloom?
Running Euonymus blooms in May and June.
Where is Running Euonymus native?
Running Euonymus (Euonymus obovatus) is native to AR, GA, IL, IN and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Running Euonymus attract?
Running Euonymus draws bees and beetles.
Is Running Euonymus HOA-friendly?
Running Euonymus takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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