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Native Plants of the Southeast

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Agarista populifolia
Florida Leucothoe, Florida Hobblebush, Coastal Leucothoe, Pipestem, Tall Fetterbush

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Agarista, or Florida Leucothoe, is a tall (8-12′), evergreen, shade-loving shrub, well suited to our hot and humid southern summers. It is found in coastal environments, in a few counties from NC to Florida, but it performs well in upland Piedmont clay-based soils. We have seen it planted under large, deciduous trees where it thrives with protection from the heat in summer, but with sunshine in winter. It can be a carefree, densely lush specimen with dark green, lustrous foliage, red-tinted new growth and a loose, arching habit. Alternatively, it can be maintained as a hedge as it responds so well to heavy pruning. In either case it produces lovely, honey-scented little white flowers in the spring which attract butterflies and bees.

Last Updated: May 21, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Agarista populifolia (Lam.) W.W. Judd
Common Names: Florida Leucothoe, Florida Hobblebush, Coastal Leucothoe, Pipestem, Tall Fetterbush
Family Name: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Shrub Border, Naturalize, Hedge (shady)
Light Requirement: Full shade-bright, Winter sun, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Medium, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Bloom Times: May, Jun
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Shade tolerant, Flowers fragrant, Good for hedges

Additional Info

Habit: A relaxed, multi-stemmed shrub with arching habit; can form colonies in moist areas
Height: 10-12'
Spread: 6-10'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Conditions: Average to moist, acid, well drained.
Leaves: Glossy, leathery, simple, lanceolate (oval shaped with pointy tips), alternate, with new growth showing reddish; dense foliage
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Pendulous clusters of white, fragrant, urn-shaped flowers at the leaf axils.
Fruit: 1/4 inch dry fruits ripe in fall
Natural Distribution: Common along creeks and in swamps from South Carolina to Northern Florida
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9, possibly 6
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACW
Pollination: Bees & butterflies
Wildlife Connections: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies; evergreen, dense foliage provides winter cover.
Propagation: By seed; also cuttings in summer/fall are easy to root.
Other Notes: Fountain-like habit as a specimen, but responds well to pruning & may be maintained as a hedge as well. The dense foliage provides wildlife cover. Conditions similar to other ericaceous plants such as blueberries and azaleas.
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

Availability

Available: Gallons, $15
Available: 3-Gallons, $40

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Office: (919) 542-6186

Appointments: (919) 885-8642

Who we are

Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

our hours

Cure Nursery operates by appointment only. Call us or email us to arrange a time to come out, or for delivery.

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