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Lyonia spp.
staggerbush
Eastern North America, West Indies, and eastern and southern Asia
Overview
Lyonia is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees in the heath family (Ericaceae), distributed across eastern North America, the West Indies, eastern and southern Asia, and the Himalayas. Plants range from 3 to 15 feet (0.9 to 4.5 m) tall, with simple alternate leaves and arching to upright branches. Small urn- to bell-shaped flowers, white to pale pink, hang in clusters along the stems in spring and early summer, followed by dry capsules. Leaf retention divides the genus: L. ligustrina is deciduous, while L. lucida and L. fruticosa are evergreen with leathery, often glossy foliage. Most species grow in acidic, sandy or peaty soils of pine barrens, bogs, and woodland margins, and they spread by suckers to form colonies. Foliage and other parts contain grayanotoxins and are poisonous to livestock and humans, the source of the common name staggerbush. The genus tolerates wet, infertile ground that many shrubs cannot, but does poorly on lime and dry, alkaline soils. The spring flowers draw bees.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, the West Indies, and eastern and southern Asia including the Himalayas. In North America, species are concentrated in the coastal plain and mountains of the eastern United States, growing in pine barrens, bogs, and acidic woodlands.Suggested Uses
Grown in acid-soil and woodland gardens, bog margins, and naturalized shrub borders, where it pairs with other Ericaceae such as Vaccinium and Kalmia. The evergreen species are used for year-round screening in wet ground. Plants suit rain gardens and pond edges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 15'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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