[5] Euonymus americanus is a deciduous shrub that grows low to the ground only reaching up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) high.

[6] Euonymus americanus grows white and green flowers that produce orange and red colored fruits.

[11] Some common names of Euonymus americanus include hearts-bustin'-with-love, bursting-heart, and the american strawberry bush.

[11] However, though it resides in moist areas it is not a flood tolerant species; therefore, only being able to grow in moderately saturated soils.

[11] Native Americans used the roots of the Euonymus americanus to make a tea that would aid in uterine prolapse, vomiting of blood, stomach aches, malaria, liver congestion, constipation, and urinary tract infections.

[16] The bright orange-red aril that covers the seed provides a source of fat and sugar to songbirds, small mammals, and wild turkeys.

[20] The initial indication of an infestation of euonymus scale on the plant is the development of yellow spots on the leaves.

[20] Some common diseases that are developed in Euonymus include powdery mildew, anthracnose, cercospora leaf spot, scab, and crown gall.

[21] Euonymus is host to webworm larvae of the American ermine moth Yponomeuta multipunctella.