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Leucothoe spp.

Doghobble

Ericaceae Eastern North America and East Asia

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Leucothoe spp. is a genus of about six evergreen and deciduous shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae), distributed across eastern North America and East Asia. Plants form arching, spreading clumps 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall and 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) wide, with cane-like stems branching from the base. Leaves are alternate, leathery, lance-shaped to ovate, 2-5 in (5-13 cm) long, with finely toothed margins; evergreen species such as L. fontanesiana and L. axillaris hold dark green foliage that turns bronze to burgundy in winter, while deciduous species such as L. racemosa drop their leaves after fall color. Urn-shaped white flowers, each 0.2-0.3 in (5-8 mm) long, hang in axillary or terminal racemes 1-4 in (2.5-10 cm) long in spring. The fruit is a dry five-chambered capsule. All parts contain grayanotoxins that are poisonous if eaten by people, pets, or livestock. Plants decline in alkaline or dry soil, and foliage scorches where exposed to full sun. Stems develop leaf spot where air circulation is poor.

Native Range

Leucothoe spp. occurs in two disjunct centers: the Appalachian Mountains and coastal plain of eastern North America, and montane forests of East Asia, particularly Japan and China. Species grow as understory shrubs along streambanks, in moist woodland, and on shaded slopes.

Suggested Uses

Leucothoe spp. is used in shaded foundation plantings, woodland borders, and as evergreen groundcover massed on shaded banks. Arching evergreen species are planted along streambanks and in rain gardens where soil stays moist. Lower forms are spaced 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) apart in shade borders.

How to Identify

Identify Leucothoe spp. by its arching, unbranched to sparsely branched cane-like stems and alternate, leathery lance-shaped leaves 2-5 in (5-13 cm) long with finely toothed margins and a pointed tip. White urn-shaped flowers 0.2-0.3 in (5-8 mm) long hang in one-sided racemes from the leaf axils in spring. Crushed foliage of most species carries a faint sharp odor.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Bloom occurs in spring, generally April to May depending on species and climate. White to pinkish urn-shaped flowers open in pendent racemes along the previous season growth. Flowering lasts about 2-3 weeks, followed by dry capsules that ripen through summer and fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pinkish

Foliage Description

Dark green, turning bronze to burgundy in winter on evergreen species

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 1-4 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Leucothoe spp. grows in part shade to full shade in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-6.0 that stays evenly moist. Most species fail in dry or alkaline conditions and develop leaf scorch where exposed to afternoon sun or drying wind. A mulch of leaf litter or pine bark keeps roots cool and conserves moisture. Hardiness spans USDA zones 4-8 across the genus, with L. fontanesiana hardy to zone 5 and tender East Asian species limited to zones 7-8. Leaf spot fungi disfigure foliage in stagnant air, so plants are spaced for airflow. Beyond an annual acidic mulch, no supplemental feeding is required.

Pruning

Prune Leucothoe spp. after flowering in late spring, removing the oldest canes at ground level to renew the clump and limit size. Plants tolerate hard renewal pruning, resprouting from the base. Winter-burned or damaged stems are cut out as they appear.