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Vick, Albert F. W.
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don
Coastal doghobble, Coast leucothoe
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
USDA Symbol: Leax
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Coast doghobble or coast leucothoe is a multi-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen shrub, 2-4 ft. tall, with a fountain-like arching habit. Flowers are white, waxy bells clustered in drooping spikes. Branches are zig-zagged toward the end and the lance-shaped, dark-green, glossy foliage turns red-green and purple in winter.
In very humid areas, the plant must have at least six hours of sunlight to discourage leaf spot diseases. It will not tolerate drought or drying winds. Rejuvenate by cutting to the ground after flowering.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Size Notes: Normally 2 to 4 ft, occasionally to 6 ft.
Leaf: Green. New leaves and winter leaves bronze.
Flower: Spires 1 to 3 inches long
Fruit: Dark brown
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Color white washed with pink. Flowers on past years growth.
Distribution
USA: AL , DE , FL , GA , KY , LA , MS , NC , SC , VANative Distribution: Coastal plain from s.e. VA to FL Panhandle, w. to LA
Native Habitat: Wet woods on coastal plains
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Drought Tolerance: Low
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moist, rich, acidic soils.
Conditions Comments: In very humid areas, the plant must have at least six hours of sunlight to discourage leaf spot diseases. It also requires good air circulation. It will not tolerate drought, drying winds, or normal lawn overwatering.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A low-growing, shade-loving, glossy-leaved, evergreen shrub well adapted to the moist conditions of the southeastern coastal plain.Use Wildlife: Flowers used by bees. Foliage browsed by deer.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No
Propagation
Propagation Material: Hardwood Cuttings , SeedsDescription: Directly sow seeds on moist peat. Firm cuttings root readily when treated with hormone.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Rejuvenate by cutting to the ground after flowering.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Longwood Gardens - Newark, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Leucothoe axillaris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Leucothoe axillaris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Leucothoe axillaris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: TWC Staff
