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I found an incredibly strange plant in the woods

17 years ago

I was hiking in the woods near a sandy creek when I found a large leafy vine bearing odd fruit. There were bright red berries hanging out of a round pod that was light pink and covered in little spikes. The pink pod would have been about half an inch wide before it split open into four quarters.

Can anybody identify this plant? If you need a picture I can upload one but it may take some time. But I think this plant must be pretty distinct so maybe a picture is not necessary. I live in the Southeastern US by the way.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

Iris GW
17 years ago
It is Euonymus americana, not really a vine, but can appear that way. "Hearts a bustin'" is one of the common names. There are a lot of requests to id it this time of year.
offplumb
17 years ago
does it look something like this?
could be one of the euonymus berries - just a guess

Here is a link that might be useful:
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razorback33
17 years ago
Euonymus americana can attain a height of 8-10 feet and the stems are very small in diameter and limber, which can give the appearance of a vine.
Here's a photo of the fruit/seed___

Rb
wanderfellow
Original Author
17 years ago
Wow, what a bunch of experts.

Yes, that looks just like it. The only difference is that the ones I found were a much brighter pink. Those must be it, though.

They don't seem to have any particular use other than just being interesting to look at. Perhaps I can go back and find one to put in the yard.

Thanks for your help!
rbrady
17 years ago
If the fruit is more pink (fuschia), I would say it might be Euonymus atropurpurea (Eatern Wahoo Tree). It is also a native.

Rhonda

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