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Leucothoe fontanesiana

Phonetic Spelling
loo-KOH-thoh-ee fon-tah-neh-see-AY-nah
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Mountain doghobble is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It is native to the Southeast and grows 3 to 6 feet tall. This plant is naturally found in very wet places such as ravines and streambanks and is frequently associated with Rhododendron maximum thickets. The genus name Leucothoe comes from Greek mythology, being one of the maidens loved by Apollo.

Mountain doghobble is best grown in moist, acidic soils, although it can be grown in a variety of soil types. It grows best in partial shade but can also be grown in full shade or full sun if it has consistent moisture. It does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although hardy to USDA Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good mulch in some areas to ensure winter survival. Plants will sucker to form colonies over time. It can be severely pruned to manage height. 

From late April into June, bell-shaped, white flowers that are almost fluorescent appear in the leaf axils (where the leaf joins the stem), usually towards the tips of the branches. These flowering clusters can be quite showy and fragrant. Plants exposed to fall and winter sun will show nice color.

Plant mountain doghobble in a woodland or naturalized area. It fits well as a hedge, specimen, or accent plant in a native, pollinator, or winter garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems, but it is sensitive to heat and in areas without sufficient air circulation, leaf spot may be a concern.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Girard's Rainbow'
    Very colorful, great specimen or accent
  • 'Rollisoni'
  • 'Scarletta'
  • 'Whitewater'
'Girard's Rainbow', 'Rollisoni', 'Scarletta', 'Whitewater'
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#shade shrub#nectar plant#native shrub#shade garden#cover plant#winter interest#riparian#accent plant#wetlands#bumblebee friendly#NC native#deer resistant#naturalizes#pollinator plant#fantz#suckers#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains FACW#butterfly friendly#cover plant winter#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#heat intolerant#woodland garden#hedge#wildlife friendly#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Girard's Rainbow'
    Very colorful, great specimen or accent
  • 'Rollisoni'
  • 'Scarletta'
  • 'Whitewater'
'Girard's Rainbow', 'Rollisoni', 'Scarletta', 'Whitewater'
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#shade shrub#nectar plant#native shrub#shade garden#cover plant#winter interest#riparian#accent plant#wetlands#bumblebee friendly#NC native#deer resistant#naturalizes#pollinator plant#fantz#suckers#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains FACW#butterfly friendly#cover plant winter#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#heat intolerant#woodland garden#hedge#wildlife friendly#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Leucothoe
    Species:
    fontanesiana
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Eastern U.S.A
    Distribution:
    South Eastern US, Appalachian Mountains
    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: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Mounding
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Globular, 5-lobed capsule, not ornamental. Fruits appear from September to October
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Drooping racemes of waxy, urn-shaped, creamy white flowers that droop from the leaf axils in spring (April-May). The small, 2" to 3" flowers are fragrant to ill-scented.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy, lanceolate, evergreen leaves (to 5" long) have widespread serrate margins and taper to a long point. They are alternate, simple, lustrous dark green leaves (lighter below), 2 to 5 in. long. They have long slender stems with limited branching and a sharp pointed apex with fine, wide spread serrations.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    New growth is red.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Erosion
    Heavy Shade
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, 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