Fetterbush Leucothoe axillaris
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Fetterbush:
- Phonetic Spelling
- loo-KOH-thoh-ee ak-sil-LAIR-iss
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Coastal doghobble is an evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that may grow 2 to 4 feet tall in moist, acidic places such as swamps and pocosins. The plant is native to the Southeast. The genus name Leucothoe comes from Greek mythology, being one of the maidens loved by Apollo. The species name axillaris comes from the fact that the flowers emerge from the leaf axils.
Coastal doghobble grows in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil, but it prefers acidic, humus-rich soil. It can be grown in full sun but must have good moisture. It does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although hardy to Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good winter mulch.
Use coastal doghobble in a woodland or naturalized area, on a slope, or along a river bank as a specimen or hedge. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators so it does well in a butterfly or pollinator garden, as well as in a native or rain garden.
Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Root rot and leaf spot are occasional problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Woodland Backyard Garden Walk
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Greesprite'
- 'Jenkins'
- 'Margie Jenkins'
- 'Greesprite'
- 'Greesprite', 'Jenkins', 'Margie Jenkins'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Greesprite'
- 'Jenkins'
- 'Margie Jenkins'
- 'Greesprite'
- 'Greesprite', 'Jenkins', 'Margie Jenkins'
- Tags:
-
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Leucothoe
- Species:
- axillaris
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Eastern U.S.A
- Fire Risk Rating:
- high flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It provides good cover, especially in the winter.
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Food Source
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Mounding
- Spreading
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a globular, 5-lobed capsule, more or less depressed at the apex. Fruits appear from September to October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Flower Description:
- Clusters of slightly fragrant, heather-like, white flowers bloom on the Coastal doghobble from Match to May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The Coastal doghobble features thick, shiny, dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate, simple, leathery and turn a purplish-bronze hue in winter. They range from 2" to 4" long. New growth is bronze-red, twisted and curved.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Riparian
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Problems:
- Frequent Disease Problems
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- Salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, coma, low blood pressure, death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Andromedotoxin.
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Leaves
