species 1,389 observations

Swamp Dog-laurel

Leucothoe axillaris

Field notes

Leucothoe axillaris is a shrub native to the southeastern United States, with the common names swamp dog-laurel and coastal dog-hobble. It has been reported from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia. It grows on floodplains in coastal areas at elevations of less than 200 m (660 ft).

Leucothoe axillaris is a branching shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall. Leaves are up to 8 cm (3 in) long. Flowers are white, cylindrical, up to 8 mm (0.3 in) long. Fruit is a dry capsule.

The cultivar Scarletta = 'Zeblid' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Supports All

3 native animals
supported in the US

Range

United States

Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided

Key traits

Layer: Shrubs
Light: Part shade Dappled shade Full shade
Moisture: Well drained Moist
Water use: Medium
Soil: Organic
Soil pH: Acid
Drought tolerant: No
Deer resistant: No
Habit: Arching Mounding Spreading Vase
Plant type: Perennial Shrub Poisonous

From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, NC State Extension and USDA PLANTS.