Hearts-a-bustin'

Euonymus americanus

Family: Celastraceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

flowers, fruits, leaves, sap/juice, stems

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant, not food.

Hazard type

ingestion poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, chills, coma, convulsions if eaten in large quantities (NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: toxic, on genus-extension. No page assesses this exact species for pets, but two other Euonymus species (Wahoo, Burning Bush) are both independently listed toxic to dogs, cats and horses by the ASPCA. Do not treat as pet-safe. For people, NC State's own species-level Poison section rates it Low severity (every part can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, chills, coma or convulsions if eaten in large quantities), corroborated by UF/IFAS calling it 'not edible and mildly toxic to humans.'

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 6a to 9b; UF/IFAS says it grows well in North and Central Florida within this range.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 4 to 6 ft tall, 4 to 6 ft wide
Where it comes from: Southeastern and southern US; wooded slopes, moist woodlands, creek/river areas. UF/IFAS confirms native to the Southeast including Florida.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon