The Stunning Native Shrub You Can Grow That Will Feed Wildlife All Winter Long

Before getting too excited about a shrub that grows fruit during the winter months, you should know that the little red berries found on the American strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus) are actually poisonous to humans. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't make a beautiful addition to your garden — and those berries will feed the wildlife that visits your yard all winter long. When it comes to growing and caring for a strawberry plant, you should know that the American strawberry bush naturally grows in moist wooded areas, often near streams. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.

Although it's native to the eastern United States, you can grow the American strawberry bush in various parts of the country, and depending on where you are, it can attract a variety of different animals. While it is known mostly as a good source of food for birds — from wild turkeys and eastern bluebirds to wood thrushes, yellow-rumped warblers, and northern mockingbirds — it also feeds deer.

Hands-off gardeners, this one's for you: The American strawberry bush is famously low-maintenance. To a degree, it can tolerate soil from wet to dry — although it thrives in moist environments — and can be planted in a variety of soil compositions, even clay. Another plus? The strawberry plant requires no pruning to stay healthy. Just trim it back if you desire a smaller or differently shaped bush. The deciduous shrub can grow to between 6 and 8 feet over about 10 years, and grows fuller the more sun exposure it gets. That being said, it also thrives with less sun, making it a perfect addition to a gorgeous, healthy shade garden. Due to its visual interest and thick foliage, it's also an ideal plant to use in the creation of a hedgerow.

Now, here's what to watch out for: While feeding hungry wildlife throughout the winter can be a plus for the ecosystem, over-consumption of the foliage and branches by deer can damage the plant, so keep an eye on your strawberry bush throughout the colder months. Speaking of winter, ice storms can cause smaller and weaker branches to break, so take precautions ahead of inclement weather — and think twice before removing any accumulated ice from the branches all willy-nilly.