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Lyonia mariana
Piedmont Staggerbush

Photo by Larry Allain of the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Piedmont Staggerbush is a cute little shrub, averaging three to six feet tall. It is an upright shrub with alternate, simple, and oblong leaves. The flowers bloom in clusters of racemes of columnar-shaped, white to pink flowers. It grows well along marshes and shrubby swamps, but also wood edges and well-drained soils. It has a lovely reddish fall color and is very deer resistant.

Last Updated: November 13, 2021

Key Info

Scientific Name: Lyonia mariana (L.) D. Don
Common Names: Piedmont Staggerbush
Family Name: Ericaceae
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Rain Garden, Naturalizing, Hedge or Shrub border
Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Wet, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Bloom Times: May, Jun
Flower Color: white/pink
Special Characteristics: Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds, Tolerates wet conditions, Good wildlife cover, Rhizomatous, Good for hedges, Good wildlife cover/habitat, Attracts pollinators, Nectar plant, Poisonous to humans

Additional Info

Habit: many branched upright shrub
Height: 3' to 6'
Spread: 3' to 6'
Soil Conditions: sandy or peaty soils, moist or dry forests, Acid pH
Leaves: Alternate, simple, oblong/elliptical shape, leathery leaves that turn red, pink and purple in fall
Flowers (or reproductive structures): urn-shaped to tubular white/pink blooms that droop in terminal clusters
Fruit: brown, oval 5 parted seed capsule. Displays from September to October.
Natural Distribution: forests, sandy soils, swamps
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FAC (Coastal Plain)
Pollination: bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: attracts butterflies and native bees, nectar plant, good wildlife cover/habitat
Downside: Flowers and leaves are highly poisonous to humans and animals
Other Notes: Tolerates poor soil, tolerates wet soil
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov
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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 place an order for pick up or to arrange a time to come visit the nursery.

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