Eubotrys racemosa (L.) Nutt.

Swamp Doghobble; Sweetbells; Coastal Fetterbush

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Coastal Fetterbush is a native deciduous shrub in the Azalea family (Ericaceae). It is most common in the southern half of Alabama, but occurs as far north as Marshall County. Coastal Fetterbush occurs in bogs, in pine flatwoods, in swamps, in seeps, and along streams. It is a woody shrub reaching heights of 12 feet, but is commonly shorter. It freely suckers from the roots and often forms thickets. The twigs are pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, elliptic to lanceolate in outline, with minutely serrate margins. The leaves are pubescent at least when young. Leaves turn orange, red, or yellow before falling in the autumn or early winter. Flowers are produced in secund (arranged on one side only) racemes. Flowering occurs before or with the emergence of the new leaves. The flowers are fragrant. Individual flowers have 5 lanceolate sepals and a urceolate white or pinkish corolla with 5 recurved lobes. The fruit is a capsule. Coastal Fetterbush is sometimes available from nurseries. It prefers a moist to wet, acidic, organic rich soil in partial to full shade. It can be used along ponds or streams, and in shady moist locations in the garden.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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