I live in the foothills of North Carolina. Today I discovered this plant growing in the woods near my home and would love to know what it is. The plant looks almost like a vine... except that it doesn't seem to branch off any other vines, just stems w/ 6 or so leaves. It's about 5 foot tall and straight. I noticed it attached itself to a nearby tree which is probably what keeps it upright. It appears to have had bright, thick, bumpy (not smooth), pink balls that have popped open to a star shape and to expose 5 or 6 bean-shaped reddish-orange berries from it's middle. Is this a posionious plant? I hope not since I've had my hands all over it! Can anyone identify this plant for me? farmerswifetoo@gmail.com
Euonymus americana. http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Eu...&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1270&bih=500
Ditto to Euonymus americana, and yes, poisonous for people (birds can eat the fruit safely though). Just touching the plant won't hurt though, you have to eat it to be poisoned.
that's it! Thank you very much. It's a beautiful plant and i truly wanted a name for it. Thank you! Especially for the link. There are some really great photos there. Thank you! I was able to research it online and found that it is sometimes called 'Strawberry bush' or 'Hearts-a-burstin'. It's great to finally have a name for this beautiful plant.
