Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don

Coastal Doghobble

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Coastal Doghobble is a native evergreen shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It is native to the southern third of Alabama. Coastal Doghobble occurs on floodplains along blackwater streams, in swamp forests, and in flatwoods. It is a small shrub from 3-6 feet in height. It often forms dense thickets from stolons. The arching stems may root when they come in contact with the soil. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, oblong to lanceolate or elliptic in outline, thick and coriaceous in texture, dark green above and paler green below, with entire or weakly serrate margins. Flowers are produced in drooping axillary fascicles of 8-30-flowers. The fragrant flowers have 5 green sepals, and a white to pinkish corolla that is cylindric to urceolate in outline. The fruit is a capsule. Coastal Doghobble is available from nurseries that specialize in native plants. It prefers a moist, shady area with sandy loam soil. It can be used as a ground cover, border plant, or in rock gardens. Provide good air flow to prevent fungal leafspot which can make the leaves unsightly.—A. Diamond.

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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