strawberry-bush

Strawberry-bush Euonymous americanus and E. obovatus
Family: Celastraceae (Stafftree)
Branching: Opposite

These two species are both low, often trailing shrubs. American Strawberry-bush (E. americanus) is more likely to be somewhat erect, while Running Strawberry-bush (E. obovatus) grows more exclusively on the ground and is more northern. Both have greenish twigs that are somewhat four-sided and have arils for fruits.

Winter twig of a Strawberry-bush (likely Running)

Close-up of end bud. Notice the ridges on the twig

Another view of the winter twig

Closeup of lateral bud and leaf scar

The majority of the stem runs along the ground, often sending down roots.