|
Snow-on-the-Mountain,
Snow-Bush
Breynia disticha
Forst.
BRAIN-ee-ah
DIS-tah-cah
Euphorbiaceae
Explanation
of name:
Generic name honors botanists Joseph Breyne (1637-1697) and his son Johann P.
Breyne (1680-1764) (DEH). Disticha refers to the distichous (two-rows)
leaf arrangement.
Synonym:
Breynia nivosa Small
Natural
range:
Pacific Islands (DEH)
Recognition:
Basally branched, aggressively spreading suckering shrub with thin, ovate
usually variegated leaves in two rows, the blades (especially when young) eye-catchingly
marked with reds, pinks, whites, and greens. Flowers inconspicuous.
Landscape
uses:
Valued for its year-round foliar color, broad tolerances, and ease of
cultivation, this species is fast-growing and spreads aggressively by suckers,
transforming itself from a shrub to a thicket. Unless in open space, requires
frequent pruning. Appreciates ample water.
May be
denuded quickly and dramatically in the summer by the Snowbush Caterpillar:
http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/CommHort/CommHortPubs/Snowbush Caterpillar.pdf
|
Botanical |
English |
FL native
|
Growth form
|
Flowering season
|
Typical
dimensions
|
Suggested
spacing |
Cultural
conditions
|
Problems |
|
Breynia disticha
(B. nivosa) |
Snow on the
Mountain |
Exotic
Escaped
|
Shrub |
NA |
6’ tall X
spreading laterally into clumps |
Ample space |
SU-PS
WT
AT
ME-MO
(PBCC) |
Fast growth
Spreads by
suckers
Escaped
cultivation (WU2)
Snowbush
Caterpillar |
|
