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Native Plant Database

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Leucothoe fontanesiana (Drooping leucothoe)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Leucothoe fontanesiana (Steud.) Sleumer

Drooping leucothoe, Highland doghobble

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Synonyms: Leucothoe editorum, Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum

USDA Symbol: LEFO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A multi-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen shrub, 3-6 ft. tall, with a fountain-like arching habit. Branches often appear weighted down with the drooping spikes of white, waxy, urn-shaped flowers. Long, pointed, dark-green, glossy foliage turns red-green and purple in winter. New growth is often quite red.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , GA , KY , MA , NY , NC , SC , TN , VA
Native Distribution: Mts. of VA to GA & TN
Native Habitat: Moist woods along the mts.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, acidic soils.
Conditions Comments: Sunscald, leaf burn and winter dieback problems. In very humid areas, the plant must have at least six hours of sunlight to discourage leaf spot diseases.

Propagation

Description: Germinate seeds under mist or a plastic tent. Semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings root easily with hormone treatment.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

 

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I need evergreen screening shrubs that aren't too deep. The shrubs are to be planted along an existing wrought iron fence, which is a few feet behind a children's swing set.
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Leucothoe fontanesiana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Leucothoe fontanesiana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Leucothoe fontanesiana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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