Strawberry bush facts for kids
Euonymus americanus is a cool plant often called the strawberry bush. You might also hear it called the American strawberry bush or hearts-a-bustin. It gets these fun names because its bright red fruit looks a bit like strawberries or bursting hearts! This plant grows naturally in the eastern parts of the United States, reaching as far west as Texas. It has even been spotted in Ontario, Canada.
Quick facts for kids Strawberry bush |
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| Euonymus americanus fruit capsule and fruit | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euonymus
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| Species: |
americanus
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Contents
What is the Strawberry Bush?
The strawberry bush is a type of deciduous shrub. This means it's a woody plant that loses its leaves every autumn. It can grow up to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
Its leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem. They feel a bit leathery or papery and can be up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
The plant has small, yellow-green flowers. These flowers grow from the spots where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower has greenish or reddish petals that are smaller than its sepals.
Amazing Fruit and Seeds
After the flowers, the plant grows a special fruit called a fruit capsule. This capsule is about 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) wide. It has a bumpy or spiny red covering, which makes it look unique.
When the fruit capsule is ripe, it splits open into five sections. Inside, you'll find seeds covered in bright red, fleshy coatings called arils. These bright red colors are a signal!
How Strawberry Bush Seeds Spread
The seeds of the strawberry bush are spread by animals. For example, deer are known to eat this plant. They seem to really enjoy the soft leaves and stems. When animals eat the fruit, they help spread the seeds to new places.
Important Safety Warning
While the red fruit and seeds look interesting, it's very important to know that they are not safe for humans to eat. The bright red color of the seeds is like a warning sign from nature. If humans eat them, they can cause severe stomach upset and diarrhea. In fact, most plants in the Euonymus family are considered poisonous to people. So, it's best to just look at this beautiful plant and not touch or eat its parts.
Gallery
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Flowers
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Leaves
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Euonymus americanus - fruit capsule
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Euonymus americanus underview of fruit and fruit capsule
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Euonymus americanus fruit body with leaf
