Coastal doghobble is an evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that may grow 2 to 4 feet tall in moist, acidic places such as swamps and pocosins. The plant is native to the Southeast. The genus name Leucothoe comes from Greek mythology, being one of the maidens loved by Apollo. The species name axillaris comes from the fact that the flowers emerge from the leaf axils. Coastal doghobble grows in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil, but it prefers acidic, humus-rich soil. It can be grown in full sun but must have good moisture. It does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although hardy to Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good winter mulch. Use coastal doghobble in a woodland or naturalized area, on a slope, or along a river bank as a specimen or hedge. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators so it does well in a butterfly or pollinator garden, as well as in a native or rain garden. Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Root rot and leaf spot are occasional problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Wet
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Mounding; Spreading; Vase
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The Coastal doghobble features thick, shiny, dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate, simple, leathery and turn a purplish-bronze hue in winter. They range from 2" to 4" long. New growth is bronze-red, twisted and curved.
Flower color
Pink; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower shape
Bell
Flower detail
Clusters of slightly fragrant, heather-like, white flowers bloom on the Coastal doghobble from Match to May.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
The fruit is a globular, 5-lobed capsule, more or less depressed at the apex. Fruits appear from September to October.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
South Eastern U.S.A
Wildlife value
Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It provides good cover, especially in the winter.
Frequent Disease Problems; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer
Particularly resistant to
This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
Fire risk
high flammability
Poison severity
High
Poison parts
Flowers; Leaves
Poison symptoms
Salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, coma, low blood pressure, death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems.