strawberry bush

Euonymus americanus is a deciduous shrub that grows low to the ground only reaching up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) high. Euonymus americanus grows white and green flowers that produce orange and red colored fruits. The white flowers on Euonymus americanus start to form unique pink fruit capsules that look somewhat like the common strawberry and will start to open in the fall months revealing large orange seeds.

Although Euonymus americanus L. is one of the 1,300 species members in the Celastraceae family, it is the only species that is found exclusively in the United States. The American strawberry bush is found in wetland areas such as margins of swamps, shaded stream banks, and sloped wetlands. However, though it resides in moist areas, it is not a flood tolerant species; therefore, only being able to grow in moderately saturated soils. The shrub can grow in shaded conditions.

Native Americans used the roots of the Euonymus americanus to make a tea that would aid in uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood, stomach aches, malaria, liver congestion, constipation, and urinary tract infections. The bark of the shrub was also used in aiding dandruff control when the bark was turned into a powder-like substance. Additionally, the seed of the American strawberry bush can be used as a strong laxative.