Staggerbush is a common low shrub of the Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont of North Carolina. The deciduous leaves are entire (lacking teeth).

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

The large, distinctive leaf buds are reddish.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Large, ornamental urceolate (urn-shaped) flowers grow in umbellate clusters.

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

The specific epithet mariana refers to Maryland. Called Piedmont Staggerbush by Kartesz (USDA PLANTS database), which makes little sense since it is more common in the Coastal Plain.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Flowering is normally in spring, but Staggerbush may flower in fall in recently burned areas.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.