Agarista populifolia, commonly known as Florida Hobblebush, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of moist to wet woodlands, swamps, and along stream banks in the southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 8-12 feet and a width of 5-6 feet, forming dense thickets that can be difficult to penetrate, hence its common name. The shrub features long, arching stems that often lean and create an interwoven appearance. Agarista populifolia blooms in late winter to early spring, producing small, bell-shaped white flowers that hang on the underside of its branches, adding subtle beauty to the garden.

The Florida Hobblebush is valued for its lush, dark green foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or as a background plant in shaded borders. It prefers part shade to full shade, consistent medium moisture, and well-drained soils with rich organic matter. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in overly wet conditions. Gardeners should also be aware that it can form extensive colonies through suckering, which may require management in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0