Strawberry Bush by Leeco
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Description
Nikon 7900 pocket camera, hand-held image.
Today’s posting is a bit unusual for me. Although I occasionally post images of plants or wild flowers, it has been some time since I did so. I first saw one of these plants on my property about 10 years or so ago but never found out what it was nor could I even find the plant again, lol. Today I noticed a small group of the plants (full of vivid colors), managed to get some pics and even identify it as a ‘Strawberry Bush’ (Euonymus americanus). The shrub's alternative name is ‘Hearts-a-Bursting’.
Strawberry-bush is a shade-loving sparsely foliaged shrub that goes unnoticed for much of the year. In late spring, careful observation will be rewarded with a glimpse of its unusually flat, five lobed, greenish-white blossoms tinged with pink or purple. After fertilization the flower's ovules ripen all summer, eventually forming a warty, globular fruit. This capsule resembles a strawberry--hence the shrub's common name--but by late August it begins to swell and take on a hue more reminiscent of raspberries. Then, on just the right day in late September, the reddish husk flies open to reveal up to five brilliant, shiny, scarlet berries--each dangling by a thread.
Strawberry-bush also caught the eye of early botanists who visited the New World, so much so that in 1663 it was among the first American plants exported back to Europe for horticultural use. All parts of the plant are considered "nauseous, emetic, and purgative". Although native deer browse Strawberry-bush with impunity, the leaves and twigs are considered to be deadly poisonous to domestic sheep and cattle.
All in all, it appears to be a rather exotic and (in late fall) a quite colorful plant. I took some root stock and a handful of seeds to replant. Hopefully I will get a permanent stand of it.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (14)
MagikUnicorn
Lovely
MrsLubner
Lee, you know how I adore flower shots and most of all I embrace wildflower shots. This is one of those stellar captures of a seldom noticed or seen bloom. Your hand in the shot really gives this a good size comparison. Great job.
kimariehere
what a most interesting plant one i certainly have never seen before !!! beautifully captured lee !!!!
flora-crassella
so wonderful photo!
durleybeachbum
Stunning! I've got to get one!
Alz2008
Wonderful capture never seen one of these before, Excellent well done..
JeffG7BRJ
Little critters are you signature Lee and a cracking job you do with them, I have been an avid admirer of your work since I first joined RR. Even when you divert from little critters to other things your talent for macro photography still shines through, this being a prime example. A very unusual plant and flower, expertly captured, your hand held macro's are second to none, such clarity and detail. I would have liked to see the pod before it burst but that I might get to see next year if your seeds take. Looking at the spikes on the opened pod it reminds me somewhat of a lychee, see attached link:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee they do have a similarity. They are certainly a very colourful plant, one I wouldn't mind having in my garden and I am bnot a green fingered person. They have a very exotic look to them especially at this stage in their life. Lol @ Andrea, I feel the same way. Stunning capture. Bravo!!!!!
GBCalls
A beauty!
Buffalo1
Lovely photo of a plant I knew nothing about. Good luck next season growing these!
skyla824
WONDERFUL WORK.... FANTASTIC COLOR .. WONDERFUL CONTRASTS
bpclarke
What an unusual find and fantastic little plant. Excellent find and capture. Bunny
praep
Never saw such an interesting plant. Great shot, Lee.
CavalierLady
What a totally unique and beautiful plant! Thanks for sharing this~
lorandbartho
A spectacular plant! Seems to be related to our Evonymus (or Euonymus) europeus and verrucosus (they are also poisonous). But the outermost layer of the American one is more richly decorated.