Running Euonymus
Euonymus obovatus
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
Ready to grow Running Euonymus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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