Eubotrys racemosa
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Leucothoe racemosa
- Phonetic Spelling
- YOO-bot-trees ray-see-MO-suh
- Description
-
Swamp Doghobble is a 3 to 6 feet tall deciduous shrub with alternate leaves. The shiny stems are a mix of green and red. In the spring, white, bell-shaped flowers appear on 3- to 4-inch racemes. Leaves turn red in the fall.
It prefers a moist, cool, acidic soil. It can be grown in full sun, but must have good moisture. Does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although winter hardy to Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good winter mulch in cooler areas. Can be evergreen in warmer zones.
This twiggy, spreading plant sends out suckers to form colonies. Use it along slopes, near ponds, in a woodland garden or as a foundation planting.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Although it has no serious insect or disease problems, it is susceptible to root rot and leaf spot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:






- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Eubotrys
- Species:
- racemosa
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern U.S.A. to Texas
- Distribution:
- Massachusetts to Florida to Louisiana
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Spreading
- Texture:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Inconspicuous five-parted light brown capsules
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers (to 1/3") in racemes (to 4" long)
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Pointed green leaves with fall interest
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Design Feature:
- Foundation Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses