Strawberry Bush
Euonymus americanus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Euonymus americanus (Strawberry Bush) is a native deciduous shrub found throughout the eastern United States, blooming March through August and attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Strawberry Bush as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–72" H × 36"–48" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Before you buy
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Strawberry Bush is a native Texas shrub that produces distinctive bright red seed pods in fall, resembling small strawberries. This woodland understory plant thrives in partial shade and offers a long blooming season from spring through summer.
Growing Strawberry Bush
Grow Strawberry Bush in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Strawberry Bush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The extended bloom period attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar insects throughout the growing season. Birds often feed on the colorful seed pods in fall.
Common questions
- Where is Euonymus americanus native to?
- Strawberry Bush is native to 23 states across the eastern United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Texas, Illinois, and Oklahoma.
- When does Strawberry Bush bloom?
- Euonymus americanus typically blooms from March through August, producing small greenish flowers that develop into distinctive red-orange seed capsules.
- What pollinators visit Strawberry Bush?
- This native shrub attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects with its small flowers and later provides seeds sought by birds.
- What growing conditions does Euonymus americanus prefer?
- Strawberry Bush thrives in partial sun to shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Strawberry Bush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Strawberry Bush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Strawberry Bush HOA-friendly?
- Strawberry Bush 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Strawberry Bush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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