Leucothoe Axillaris Tree, Shrub and Vine Identification Fact Sheet

This is the tree, shrub, and vine identification project fact sheet for Leucothoe axillaris. This fact sheet may not be copied in part or in whole and submitted as one's own project, but may be cited as a source of facts during one's own research. See tree, shrub, and vine identification project main page for links to other plants, and evergreen shrub slideshow for pictures.

Plant Botanical Name: Leucothoe Axillaris

Common Name: Coast Leucothoe, Coastal doghobble.

Family Name: Ericaceae

Plant is Native to What Country: United States, east coast Virginia to Florida.

Plant Height at Maturity: 2-6 feet high and 6 feet wide.

Plant Habit and Form: Evergreen shrubs of medium to coarse texture have a moderate growth rate. Branches spreading horizontally, tend to grow sideways often.

Foliage: Foliage evergreen, simple serrated ovate leaves arranged alternately on twigs. Leaves dark green of a leathery texture, 2-4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Leaves exhibit a red or bronze color in winter.

Bark: Stems glabrous, tend to grow in a zigzag pattern and can be red or green.

Flower: White flowers born in auxiliary racimes, which can be 2 inches long.

Fruit/Seed: Fruit a brown capsule. Capsules are inconspicuous and without ornamental significance.

Growing Requirements: Plants are hardy to zone 6, can grow in zone 5 in a protected location. Grows best in partial shade in acidic, moist cool soils. Tolerant of shade but does not tolerate salt or drought.

Problems and Drawbacks: Plants need to be protected from winter winds and are susceptible to winter burn if exposed to wind. Leafspot is a common problem especially if there is poor circulation.

Special Uses: Grows well in shade. Used for naturalizing, cover for shady banks, with other ericaceous plants. Used as a foundation plant or in the landscape.

ID Tips/Remarks: Flowers are white and urn shaped, similar to the flowers of Pieris Japonica.

Bibliography: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/l/leuaxi/leuaxi1.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=LEAX