Family: Ericaceae
Author: (Lam.) K.Koch
Bibliography: Dendrologie 2(1): 118 (1872)
Year: 1872
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lyonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A., W. Cuba (incl. I. de la Juventud)
Description
The Fetterbush, scientifically known as Lyonia lucida, is an intriguing member of the Ericaceae family. This evergreen shrub captures the fascination of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its distinct characteristics and notable resilience.
Characterized by its glossy, deep green leaves, the Fetterbush adds a touch of elegance to its natural habitat and cultivated gardens. The leaves are typically oblong or elliptic in shape, presenting a leathery texture that hints at the plant’s hardy nature. During the blooming season, this shrub produces charming, small bell-shaped flowers that are usually white or pink, nestled amongst the foliage. These blossoms not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also play a role in the local ecosystem by attracting pollinators.
Lyonia lucida thrives in the southeastern United States and western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth (I. de la Juventud), where it is commonly found in diverse ecosystems ranging from moist woodlands to coastal plains. This distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to different environmental conditions, showcasing its ability to flourish in sandy, acidic soils often found in these regions.
Historical references to the Fetterbush date back to 1872, as detailed in the dendrological records where it was meticulously cataloged. The nomenclature credits the authority of (Lam.) K.Koch, reflecting the scientific contributions that have solidified our understanding of this species over the decades.
Popular among gardeners for its robust nature and attractive appearance, the Fetterbush is also valued for its ecological benefits. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Its ability to withstand challenging growing conditions, such as poor soil quality and fluctuating moisture levels, makes it a resilient choice for natural landscaping and conservation projects.
Overall, the Fetterbush, Lyonia lucida, stands out not just for its beauty but also for its role in the botanical world and its contribution to the natural environments of the southeastern U.S.A and western Cuba.
Common Names
Eng: fetterbush lyonia
En: Fetterbush, Shiny lyonia, Fetterbush lyonia, Shinyleaf, Hurrahbush, Staggerbush
Synonyms
- Pieris nitida ((J.Bartram & W.Bartram ex Marshall) Benth. & Hook.f.)
- Lyonia marginata ((Duhamel) D.Don)
- Pieris nitida var. rubra ((G.Lodd.) Rehder)
- Andromeda marginata (Duhamel)
- Neopieris nitida ((J.Bartram & W.Bartram ex Marshall) Britton)
- Leucothoe coriacea ((Aiton) DC.)
- Andromeda lacustris (C.Wright)
- Lyonia lucida f. rubra ((G.Lodd.) Rehder)
- Desmothamnus lucidus ((Lam.) Small)
- Andromeda nitida var. rhombifolia (Alph.Wood)
- Desmothamnus nitidus ((J.Bartram & W.Bartram ex Marshall) Small)
- Xolisma lucida ((Lam.) Rehder)
- Andromeda coriacea var. rubra (G.Lodd.)
- Pieris lucida var. rubra ((G.Lodd.) Rehder)
- Leucothoe marginata ((Duhamel) Spach)
- Lyonia marginata var. rubra ((G.Lodd.) Loudon)
- Lyonia nitida ((J.Bartram & W.Bartram ex Marshall) Fernald)
- Xolisma lucida var. rubra ((G.Lodd.) Rehder)
- Andromeda myrtifolia (Salisb.)
- Andromeda coriacea (Aiton)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 4, 2011 by EOL − Bethany Harvey (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2012 by EOL − Bob Peterson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2021 by R Curtis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2021 by nexq (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2020 by Susan Huelsewiesche (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Oscar Calinescu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by vidclip (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 4, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 4, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 31, 2014 by EOL − marge (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 19, 2016 by EOL − lscknwrbiota (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 9, 2008 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7491763)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331149-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lyonia lucida (Lam.) K. Koch)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5333386)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.0
Ph minimum: 3.5