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Plant Reference
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Leucothoe, Genus, axillaris, Species,
- Genus & species
drooping leucothoe
Southeastern United States — Virginia to Florida, west to Mississippi and Louisiana; acidic streamside forests, swamp margins, and moist woodland understory
Overview
Leucothoe axillaris is drooping leucothoe (coastal doghobble), a spreading evergreen shrub growing 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. White urn-shaped flowers 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in pendulous axillary racemes 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) in April-May (3 weeks). Glossy dark green lance-shaped leathery leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) on arching stems; bronze-red new growth; purple-bronze winter tones. In Ericaceae. Axillaris = axillary (flower position). Native to the southeastern US — Virginia to Florida. 'Doghobble' — the dense thicket-forming habit entangles hunting dogs. Spreads by underground stolons. Requires acidic moist soil (pH 4.5-6.0) — this acid-moisture requirement is the primary cultural limitation. Not drought-tolerant. Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Deer-resistant (toxicity). Zones 5-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States — Virginia to Florida, west to Mississippi and Louisiana. Found in acidic streamside forests, swamp margins, and moist woodland understory.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders, woodland gardens, stream banks, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic mix, spaced 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m). Arching habit. Purple-bronze winter color. Acid moist soil required. All parts toxic. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). White urn-shaped flowers 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in pendulous axillary racemes 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm). 3 weeks. Bee-visited.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, urn-shaped (urceolate), 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm), in pendulous axillary racemes 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) along the underside of arching stems; April-MayFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, lance-shaped, leathery, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm), pointed; bronze to reddish-bronze new growth; purple-bronze winter tones; on arching stems; the common name 'doghobble' refers to the dense thicket-forming habit that entangles hunting dogsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (2-5 hours). Moist acidic soil pH 4.5-6.0. Not drought-tolerant. Spreads by stolons. Prune after flowering (May-June). Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May-June). Remove oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh arching growth. Shape as needed. Remove unwanted stoloniferous spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons