Trees and Shrubs

Hearts a Busting of Love Shrub

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Hearts a busting of love shrub (Euonymus americanus)

Where to find: In the deciduous parts of the southeastern and southern states.
Does it have a fruit or nut: Yes, it has showy warty capsules that split open to reveal a red orange-seed.
Pollination Season: Fall
Rarity: Common
Fun Fact: Also known as a Strawberry bush, but this plant has low-severity poison characteristics, so do not consume the fruit.

 

Indigo Bush

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)

Where to find: Stream and pond edges, gravel bars, open woods, roadsides, and canyons.
Does it have a fruit or nut: Produces a seed that is in a pod.
Pollination Season: Late Summer.
Rarity: Common.
Fun Fact: This plant is closely related to the pea.

 

Oplethrope Oak

NPS/Adrian Stewart

Oglethorpe Oak (Quercus oglethropensis)

Where to find: Deep South (Alabama, Georgia, western South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi.)
Does it have a fruit or nut: Yes, like most oaks the Oglethorpe produces acorns.
Pollination Season: Spring
Rarity: Endangered
Fun Fact: The leaves and acorns of this tree are poisonous to humans. Acorns can be consumed after tannins are removed but the leaves are completely inedible to humans.

 

Paw Paw Flower

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Paw Paw (Carica papaya)

Where to find: Throughout most of the Eastern United States except for New England and much of Florida. It is a native understory or woodland edge tree, often found in moist places such as the bottoms of ravines, steep hillsides, and creek banks.
Does it have a fruit or nut: Produces a highly sought-after fruit that has a bright, tropical flavor.
Pollination Season: Mid-Spring.
Rarity: Common
Fun Fact: These trees are also known as the “Poor Man’s Banana.”