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Native Plants of the Southeast

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Leucothoe axillaris
Coastal Leucothoe, Doghobble, Coastal Doghobble, Swamp Doghobble, Swamp Dog-Laurel, Fetterbush, Maleberry, Sweetspire

Photo by Cure Nursery

Doghobble is a graceful, informal, evergreen shrub common in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain which shows off best when planted in mass. Stoloniferous, it is naturally found in drifts or colonies along banks of creeks or shady ditches and woodlines. Doghobble’s arching form reaches 3-4 feet or 4-6 feet (reports vary) by an indeterminate width. Stems are rarely branched, but arching wih a zig-zag pattern, bearing thick, evergreen leaves, and clusters of white, fragrant, urn-shaped flowers in May. If grown in enough light, the leaves turn an ornamental purplish-bronze in winter. Well suited as a foundation plant or hedge, it thrives in shady yards or gardens. Doghobble is a slow grower and its growth form provides an attractive visual contrast to sheared evergreen foundation plants. Traditionally found in the same type of environments as rhododendrons, Doghobble prefers moist, acidic, organic, well drained soil and full to part shade, but will tolerate sun if the soil is kept moist.

Last Updated: May 21, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Leucothoe axillaris (Lamarck) D. Don
Common Names: Coastal Leucothoe, Doghobble, Coastal Doghobble, Swamp Doghobble, Swamp Dog-Laurel, Fetterbush, Maleberry, Sweetspire
Family Name: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Naturalizing, Foundation, Massing, Slope retention, Facing plants (in front of leggy, taller plants)
Light Requirement: Full shade-bright, Partial/sunny, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Bloom Times: Apr, May
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Tolerates shade, Evergreen, Fragrant flowers, Tolerates heat and humidity, Reported to be deer resistant.

Additional Info

Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches and zig-zag pattern at the ends; foliage is of medium texture, bark is smooth, light brown; is stoloniferous.
Height: 3' to 4'
Spread: 4' to 5'
Growth Rate: Moderate to slow
Soil Conditions: Prefers moist, well drained, acidic, organic soil; pH very acidic to slightly alkaline; light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
Leaves: Leaves are alternate, simple, leathery, abruptly to gradually pointed, lustrous dark green above, pale and lighter beneath, pinnately veined; 2 to 4 inches long by half as wide, with margins unevenly serrated; turn red or bronze in fall and winter.
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Flowers are inverted urn shaped, white to pink-flushed, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch long clustered in axillary racemes 2.5 - 3.0 inches long.
Fruit: The fruits are dry, brown, globular, 5-lobed capsules about 1/4 inch across, more or less depressed at the apex, in long axillary clusters. Mature in fall.
Natural Distribution: Wet woods, shady flood plains and stream banks
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACW
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: Bees are attrracted to the flowers, deer eat the leaves; the Doghobble thickets provide cover for many small creatures.
Pharmacology: Leaves and nectar from flowers are highly toxic (NCSU)
Cultural Notes: Prune out older central canes after bloom to rejuvenate. Protect from winter sun and wind.
Downside: Does not tolerate drought or windy conditions; is subject to desiccation burn in winter in exposed sites .
Propagation: By seeds and cuttings.
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

Availability

Available: Gallons, $15

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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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