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Native Plant Database

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Eubotrys racemosa (Fetter-bush)
Bloodworth, Stefan

Eubotrys racemosa (L.) Nutt.

Fetter-bush, Leucothoe, Swamp doghobble, Sweet-bells Leucothe, Sweetbells

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

USDA Symbol: EURA5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This deciduous or tardily deciduous shrub grows 4-6 1/2 ft. tall and wide. Swamp doghobble or leucothoe tends to sucker forming a thicket effect. Delicate, white, tube-shaped flowers hang in single-rowed racemes from twigs of the previous season’s growth. Bright-green leaves turn red in fall.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , LA , MA , MD , MS , NC , NJ , NY , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal plain and lower piedmont from MA to s.e. TX
Native Habitat: Thickets, Near lakes or ponds
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, sandy, acid soil. Acid-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Attractive, Understory
Warning: Ingestion of the leaves, flowers, and nectar of this plant has caused poisoning in cattle. Humans should generally avoid ingesting any plant that is toxic to animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Native shrub to replace non-native azaleas.
February 10, 2009
I want to replace my two dozen azaleas this spring (I think they're unattractive once the flowers fall off). I like the multiseason characteristics of weigela (midnight wine, W&R), but want to go na...
view the full question and answer

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:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX

Bibliography

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

Search 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 page

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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