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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Agarista populifolia
With its profusion of bright green branches arching, curling, and flowing in all directions, Florida leucothoe graces the garden like a green fountain. Its cascading branches make it interesting enough to use as a single specimen, and with its dense evergreen foliage, it’s also useful when planted in masses as a backdrop, hedge, or privacy screen. Florida leucothoe is an excellent choice for landscaping along a stream or creek; it loves the moisture, and its arching branches look so pretty spilling over the banks. In the woodland garden Florida leucothoe creates the perfect evergreen background for lacy ferns, fringed bleeding heart, foamflower, native columbine, and other delicate woodland treasures. No matter where this shrub is planted, its closely packed leaves provide wildlife with much-needed winter cover.
The late-spring flowers are small honey-scented white bells that attract both bees and butterflies. The flowers occur on the previous year’s wood, so pruning should be postponed until after the blooming season. If you forget and prune too soon, don’t worry—the new growth is tinged with shades of red and purple and is almost as decorative as the flowers.
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Large evergreen shrub with 1 ½ to 4", glossy green, oval-shaped leaves with pointy tips. Small bell-shaped white flowers are honey-scented and bloom in May to June. ¼", dry, tan fruits appear in early fall.
8 to 12’ high and wide.
Large, loose-shaped, multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches. Tends to sucker and form thickets in wet areas.
Slow to medium; 3 to 5’ in 5 years.
Part to full shade is best.
For best results, plant in rich, cool, acidic soils that are consistently moist. Though Florida leucothoe thrives in damp situations, it can also be surprisingly tolerant of drought.
Features include lush, glossy evergreen foliage, a gracefully arching form, and fragrant white flowers.
Use as a specimen shrub, for screening, and in borders.
Flowers provide nectar to butterflies and bees.
Found in moist hammocks and wet woodlands in Georgia’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
Written by Leslie Kimel, Georgia Wildlife Federation
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Pipestem Leucothoe
