Coastal Doghobble
Leucothoe axillaris

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Leucothoe axillaris is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Moist woods near the coast.

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida and Alabama.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Promotes the discharge of mucus from the nose. An infusion of the leaf is taken internally and also used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatism. n infusion of the leaves and stems has been used to bathe itchy skin.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a lime-free well-drained humus-rich soil and some shade. Plants are not very successful in Britain. One report says they are not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the milder areas of the country, whilst another says that they are hardy to zone 6, which means tolerating temperatures down to -15° or lower. The flowers are strongly fragrant. This species is often confused with L. fontanesiana. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a shady part of the greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, August in a frame. Fair to good percentage. Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months. Very high percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least one other member of this genus is said to have poisonous fruits.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. catesbaei.