Leucothoe axillaris
Common name:
Coast Leucothoen
Coastal Doghobble
Fetter Bush
Pronunciation:
lu-KOTH-o-e ack-sil-LAIR-is
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Type:
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon:
No
- Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 2-4(6) ft high and 3-5(9) wide [06-1.2(1.8) m × 0.9-1.5(2.7) m], spreading branches, with a zig-zag pattern toward the tip. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, elliptic to oval, 5-10 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, leathery, tip short acuminate to abruptly mucronate (short sharp point), base tapering, margin entire to serrate, glossy dark green above, paler below, finally glabrous; petiole 2-10 mm long. Foliage color may be purple and red in winter. Flowers urn-shaped, white or pinkish white, borne in drooping clusters (2.5-7.5 cm) in leaf axils. Fruit a small 5-lobed capsule, inconspicuous.
- Sun in cooler climates, or part shade. Attractive in masses. Appearance is similar to that of L. fontanesiana, but generally shorter and broader. Several cultivars available.
- Poisonous: Leaves and nectar from flowers are poisonous; if ingested may cause salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis. Toxic Principle is andromedotoxin.
- Hardy to USDA Zone 5 Native to the southeastern US.
- axillaris: Latin, borne in the axil, axillary; a reference to the flower clusters.
Click image to enlarge
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plant habit, early spring
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leaves, early spring
