Native Plants

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Cressler, Alan

Elliottia racemosa

Elliottia racemosa Muhl. ex Elliott

Georgiaplume, Elliottia

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ELRA2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Shrub or small tree with conical crown and showy, white clusters of flowers.

One of the rarest native trees, Elliottia is alone in a distinct genus. It is apparently now extinct at the one locality in South Carolina where it had been collected in 1853. Fairly extensive local stands have been found in Georgia, although in that state it is classified as rare. Elliottia honors Stephen Elliott (1771-1830), botanist of South Carolina and probably the discoverer of this plant.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Elliptic , Ovate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate , Acute , Mucronate
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Inflorescence: Panicle , Raceme , Terminal
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 35 feet tall, often much shorter.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: GA , SC
Native Distribution: Local in 8 counties of E. and SE. Georgia, at 100-400' (30-122 m).
Native Habitat: Moist, sandy, acid soils near streams and sometimes on dry ridges, in woods.

From the National Organizations Directory

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

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-10-05
Research By: TWC Staff

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