Fetterbush Leucothoe fontanesiana
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Fetterbush:
- 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:
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- 'Girard's Rainbow'
Very colorful, great specimen or accent - 'Rollisoni'
- 'Scarletta'
- 'Whitewater'
- 'Girard's Rainbow'
- 'Girard's Rainbow', 'Rollisoni', 'Scarletta', 'Whitewater'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Girard's Rainbow'
Very colorful, great specimen or accent - 'Rollisoni'
- 'Scarletta'
- 'Whitewater'
- 'Girard's Rainbow'
- 'Girard's Rainbow', 'Rollisoni', 'Scarletta', 'Whitewater'
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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-
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
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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:
- 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
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Globular, 5-lobed capsule, not ornamental. Fruits appear from September to October
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-
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.
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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.
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-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- New growth is red.
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Shade 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
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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 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
