Family: Ericaceae
Author: (Steud.) Sleumer
Bibliography: Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 78: 438 (1959)
Year: 1959
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Leucothoe
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A.
Description
Fetterbush, scientifically known as Leucothoe fontanesiana, is an enchanting shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. With its natural habitat primarily in the southeastern regions of the United States, this plant is a notable component of the native flora.
Fetterbush is celebrated for its striking aesthetic appeal. It typically features arching branches adorned with glossy, evergreen leaves that bring a persistent verdure throughout the year. In spring, the plant produces an array of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are either white or pale pink, emitting a subtle fragrance that can charm any garden enthusiast. These blooms eventually give way to small fruit capsules, continuing the plant’s lifecycle.
The ecological preferences of Leucothoe fontanesiana include moist, acidic soils often found in wooded areas or along streams, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden spots or woodland planting schemes. It thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat— with access to consistent moisture and minimal direct sunlight.
The common name “Fetterbush” hints at its dense, interlocking growth habit which can create a natural hedge or understory thicket, providing shelter and habitat for various wildlife species. Gardeners appreciate this resilient plant for its low maintenance and natural beauty, which contributes significantly to biodiversity in cultivated and wild landscapes alike.
This plant, documented in botanical literature since 1959 through the work of Sleumer, remains a subject of interest for both its ornamental qualities and its role in native plant conservation efforts.
Common Names
Eng: dog-hobble, fetterbush, highland doghobble, switch-ivy, fetter-bush
Swe: vinterrosling
En: Fetterbush, Switch-ivy, Dog-hobble, Highland doghobble, Fetter-bush
Pl: Kiścień wawrzynowy
Sv: Vinterrosling
Synonyms
- Andromeda lanceolata (Desf.)
- Leucothoe editorum (Fernald & B.G.Schub.)
- Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum ((Fernald & B.G.Schub.) H.E.Ahles)
- Leucothoe catesbaei var. rollisonii (Bean)
- Andromeda fontanesiana (Steud.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Georgia (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 2, 2020 by franck moreux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Joel Picher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by David Andrew (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Teeuwen Carlijn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 31, 2021 by Amy Amy Hunkler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by dixie cousins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2020 by Misha Brooks (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 25, 2019 by Alex H (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 21, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 29, 2020 by Alexa Gianinio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2022 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Jonathan Roberts (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2022 by jacques (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 28, 2021 by caila pilley (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 29, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2016 by EOL − Floyd A. Reed (cc-by)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:139255-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5333354)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Leucothoe fontanesiana (Steud.) Sleumer)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
