Ericaceae
Florida hobblebush
Agarista populifolia
Synonyms
Leucothoe populifolia
Lyonia populifolia
Andromeda populifolia
Other Common Names
coast leucothoe, fetterbush, Florida doghobble, Florida leucothoe
Plant Type
Shrub (less than 10 ft)
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
8-12 ft. tall
6-8 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Deer, Drought, Occasional Flooding
Inolerant of
Direct Afternoon Sun
Propagation
By cutting
Plant Propagation Notes
Easily rooted in late summer or fall.
Plants/Diseases
No serious pest or disease problems.
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects
Leaves
The simple evergreen, lanceolate leaves are 1-3 inches with no hairs and glossy. Alternate with serrate leaf margins.
Flowers
The bell-shaped white flowers hang on a raceme.
Fruit
Capsules with brown seeds.
Bark
Terete stems with a chambered pith.
Toxicity
The leaves are highly poisonous. Source: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
USDA Hardiness Zones
7, 8, 9
Light Exposure
Full Shade
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acidic (less than 6.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Acid swamps to moist broadleaved forests, especially along streams, in ravines, or near springs.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Apparently Secure (G4)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Rare in the SC Coastal Plain and absent from the Piedmont and Mountains