Mountain doghobble is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It is native to the Southeast and grows 3 to 6 feet tall. This plant is naturally found in very wet places such as ravines and streambanks and is frequently associated with Rhododendron maximum thickets. The genus name Leucothoe comes from Greek mythology, being one of the maidens loved by Apollo. Mountain doghobble is best grown in moist, acidic soils, although it can be grown in a variety of soil types. It grows best in partial shade but can also be grown in full shade or full sun if it has consistent moisture. It does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although hardy to USDA Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good mulch in some areas to ensure winter survival. Plants will sucker to form colonies over time. It can be severely pruned to manage height. From late April into June, bell-shaped, white flowers that are almost fluorescent appear in the leaf axils (where the leaf joins the stem), usually towards the tips of the branches. These flowering clusters can be quite showy and fragrant. Plants exposed to fall and winter sun will show nice color. Plant mountain doghobble in a woodland or naturalized area. It fits well as a hedge, specimen, or accent plant in a native, pollinator, or winter garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems, but it is sensitive to heat and in areas without sufficient air circulation, leaf spot may be a concern.
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
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Moist | Occasionally Dry | Occasionally Wet
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect; Mounding
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Glossy, lanceolate, evergreen leaves (to 5" long) have widespread serrate margins and taper to a long point. They are alternate, simple, lustrous dark green leaves (lighter below), 2 to 5 in. long. They have long slender stems with limited branching and a sharp pointed apex with fine, wide spread serrations.
Fall color
Red/Burgundy
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Raceme; Spike
Flower shape
Bell
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Drooping racemes of waxy, urn-shaped, creamy white flowers that droop from the leaf axils in spring (April-May). The small, 2" to 3" flowers are fragrant to ill-scented.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Globular, 5-lobed capsule, not ornamental. Fruits appear from September to October
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
New growth is red.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
South Eastern U.S.A
Distribution
South Eastern US, Appalachian Mountains
Wildlife value
Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It provides good cover, especially in the winter.
Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer; Erosion; Heavy Shade
Particularly resistant to
This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
Poison severity
High
Poison parts
Flowers; Leaves
Poison symptoms
Salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, coma, low blood pressure, death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems.