Coastalplain Staggerbush

Lyonia fruticosa (Michx.) G. S. Torr.

lie-OWN-ee-ah  fruit-ah-COAS-ah

Ericaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name for John Lyon, American botanist, died 1818 (BA1). Fruticosa means shrubby.

Synonym: Xolisma fruticosa (Michx.) Nash (WU1)

Natural range: Peninsular Florida and the  Panhandle (WU1)

Recognition: Leaves persistent with scales, reduced toward end of flowering shoot. Inflorescences in axillary clusters. Corolla several times longer than calyx.

Often confused with Rusty Lyonia or Rusty Staggerbush (L. ferruginea) which occurs in central to north Florida and differs most saliently by having the leaves of uniform length to the end of the flowering shoot. Lyonia lucida differs by having pink flowers.

Landscaping uses (based on specimens grown at PBCC and on the similar L. ferruginea): A beautiful evergreen shrub. Grown from seed. Prefers acid well-drained soilin full sun (OSO).