The Flora of North America[] distinguishes Euonymus obovatus Nutt. (treated here as a synonym) as a distinct species, saying that the two species can be difficult to separate, but the rooting stems of Euonymus obovatus clearly differentiate them[]..

Common Name: Strawberry Bush

General Information

Euonymus americanus is a deciduous shrub with erect to arching stems; it can grow 200 - 350cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

The fruits, seed and bark are considered to be poisonous[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Illinois to New York, south through Missouri and Oklahoma to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Rich woods, bluffs, flood plains, along streams, hammocks, sandy banks; at elevations up to 400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas[]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil[]. Requires shade from the midday sun[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The seed is strongly laxative[].

A tea made from the roots is used in cases of uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood, painful urination and stomach aches[, ].

The bark is diuretic, expectorant, laxative and tonic[]. It was used as a tea in the treatment of malaria, liver congestion, constipation etc[, ]. The powdered bark, applied to the scalp, was believed to eliminate dandruff[].

An infusion of the plant has been used to stimulate menstruation and so should not be used by pregnant women[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 8 - 12 weeks warm followed by 8 - 16 weeks cold stratification and can then be sown in a cold frame[, ]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].