Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ericales>Ericaceae>Eubotrys racemosa (L.) Nuttall

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) flowers

This wetland shrub is common in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, uncommon in the Piedmont, and rare in the Mountains. Similar to Mountain Fetterbush (Eubotrys recurva), which replaces it in the Mountains.

Holly Shelter Game Land, Pender Co., NC 4/19/09.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) flowers

Unopened flowers.

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) flowers

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) leaves

The deciduous alternate leaves are finely toothed, which helps distinguish it from other common ericaceous shrubs, such as Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana). In leaf it can be mistaken for Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica).

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa)

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) leaves

Also known as Swamp Doghobble and formerly called Leucothoe racemosa (L.) Gray.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) flowers

The flowers are in long racemes (hence the name racemosa).

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) capsules

The fruits are dry capsules, which are broader than long.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) bark

Bark detail.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Coastal Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) bark

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

 

More information:
USDA PLANTS database
Virginia Tech dendrology

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