Twiggy plant, about 2 ft tall, opposing green leaves about 1.5 inches long, unusual five-lobed fleshy bloom on stem originating from base of leaf. Bloom appeared at first glance to be insect eggs. Growing in shade, under trees in relatively sandy soil on slight incline. A creek is within 30 yards, but area is not wet. Pics taken April 29, 2014.
Hi Larry,
this is a fine native shrub, Euonymus americanus, or Hearts-a-bustin-with-love. Most people know it in fruit but not in flower – because the flowers are not brightly colored. Another characteristic of the shrub is the green stems. The flowers almost look like they are attached to the leaves, but they are not – they are just resting on them.
You can find a lot more about this shrub here: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EUAM9
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven R. Hill, Botanist, SCNPS