Highland Doghobble
(Leucothoe fontanesiana)
Highland Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
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peter-f
Public Domain
Image By:
peter-f
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: peter-f | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: peter-f | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-05-01T17:59:38Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leucothoe fontanesiana, commonly known as Highland Doghobble, Fetter-bush, Mountain Doghobble, or Switch Ivy, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of forests in the southeastern United States, particularly thriving along stream banks and moist, wooded slopes. It typically grows to 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall and up to 3 m (10 ft) wide. The plant features glossy, laurel-like leaves that are 6–16 cm (2–6 in) long and produces pendent axillary racemes of urn-shaped flowers in the spring, which are white and somewhat showy due to their abundance. The flowers are followed by seed capsules that may persist into winter.
Highland Doghobble is valued for its attractive foliage and spring flowers, which add interest to shady garden areas. It is often used for naturalistic plantings, as ground cover, or in woodland gardens. This shrub prefers acidic soils and is sensitive to high pH levels (calcifuge). It requires consistently moist soil and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. While it tolerates part shade to full shade, it should be protected from harsh afternoon sun. Highland Doghobble is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet. It is also prone to damage from deer browsing.CC BY-SA 4.0
Highland Doghobble is valued for its attractive foliage and spring flowers, which add interest to shady garden areas. It is often used for naturalistic plantings, as ground cover, or in woodland gardens. This shrub prefers acidic soils and is sensitive to high pH levels (calcifuge). It requires consistently moist soil and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. While it tolerates part shade to full shade, it should be protected from harsh afternoon sun. Highland Doghobble is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet. It is also prone to damage from deer browsing.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Understory of forests, stream banks, and moist wooded slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Doghobble, Switch Ivy, Fetterbush
Scientific Names: , Leucothoe fontanesiana, Leucothoe catesbaei, Leucothoe editorum, Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum, Andromeda catesbaei, Andromeda catesbei, Andromeda fontanesiana, Lyonia catesbaei,
GBIF Accepted Name: Leucothoe fontanesiana (Steud.) Sleumer