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Smith, R.W.
Fothergilla gardenii
Fothergilla gardenii L.
Dwarf witchalder, Dwarf witch-alder, Dwarf fothergilla
Hamamelidaceae (Witch-Hazel Family)
Synonym(s): Fothergilla parvifolia
USDA Symbol: FOGA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Small, mound-shaped shrub to 3 ft. tall with picturesquely crooked, multiple stems. The flower, appearing as a mass of stamens, is white and occurs before the leaves in thimble-like terminal spikes. Dense, dark green, leathery foliage becomes bright yellow to scarlet-red in fall.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , NC , SCNative Distribution: Coastal plain from NC to MS & TN
Native Habitat: Sunny, higher ground in swamps & adjacent moist, grassy areas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Well-drained, acid, peaty or sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Very disease and insect resistant. Fits well in a woodland garden of azaleas and rhododendrons. Always avoid very dry sites. To get the best floral and fall foliage display, give fothergillas as much sunshine as possible. This species will tolerate, but not thrive in slightly basic soils. It is best grown in acidic conditions.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Low.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Semi-hardwood cuttings root with or without hormone. Rooted cuttings should not be moved until new vegetative growth is over an inch long or normal winter dormancy is completed. Sucker can be separated to increase the plant. Progagation by seed is tricSeed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seed requires at least a six month warm-moist period, followed by a three month period of cold stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Shrub for part shade for hedge in Holly Ridge NC
April 07, 2010
We live in Coastal NC. We would like a type of shrub for the front of our home which is partial shade, similar style to a boxwood or trainable hedge. What NC native would compare?
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACW | FACW |
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
ArcheWild Native Nurseries - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Georgia Native Plant Society - Atlanta, GA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Fothergilla gardenii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Fothergilla gardenii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Fothergilla gardenii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-03-17Research By: TWC Staff