Discover the Unique Fetterbush: A Native Evergreen Shrub for Wet and Natural Areas
The Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) is a distinctive native evergreen shrub found in swampy areas and wet woods from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, it features a dense, arching, often sprawling form that can create an effective natural hedge. This plant thrives in moist to wet locations with seasonal flooding and prefers partial shade and rich, acidic soil, although it can tolerate drier sandy soils once established. In spring, small fragrant flowers appear in clusters, followed by woody capsules. Spreading by root suckers and rhizomes, it forms dense thickets. Use Fetterbush in naturalized gardens, rain gardens, wet sites, or as a privacy screen.
Sizes Available
Wholesale Only
1 Gallon
$4.00
3 Gallon
$8.00
A Fetterbush shrub displays its shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of delicate pink flowers in the spring.
Scientific Name: Lyonia lucida
Common Name: Fetterbush, Fetterbush Lyonia, Pink Fetterbush, Shining Fetterbush, Shinyleaf
Hardiness Zones: 7a through 9b
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Growth Rate: Medium
Foliage: Spring & Summer: Smooth, thick, shiny evergreen leaves, up to 4 inches long, with a prominent vein encircling the margin. Young leaves can have a coppery color. Fall: Remains evergreen.
Bark: Brown bark that splits and finely shreds, adding subtle winter interest.
Sun: Partial shade is preferred, mimicking its natural understory habitat.
Soil: Prefers moist to wet, rich acidic soil; tolerates seasonal flooding and can adapt to better-drained sandy soils once established.
Wildlife Value: Provides excellent cover, especially in winter, for various wildlife. Its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Why Choose Fetterbush?
Thrives in Moist to Wet Conditions:
The Fetterbush is ideally suited for gardens with moist to wet soils, including rain gardens and areas prone to seasonal flooding. Its natural preference for these conditions makes it a reliable choice for challenging, waterlogged sites.
Excellent for Hedges and Privacy Screens:
With its dense, arching, and often sprawling growth habit, Fetterbush naturally forms thickets and can be effectively used as a hedge or privacy screen, providing natural barriers and visual separation in the landscape.
Attractive Fragrant Flowers and Evergreen Foliage:
Enjoy clusters of small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white that bloom in spring, adding beauty and fragrance to the garden. Its glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round visual appeal and cover for wildlife.
Supports Pollinators and Provides Wildlife Cover:
The Fetterbush’s flowers are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies. Its dense evergreen structure also offers excellent cover and shelter for birds and other small wildlife, especially during the winter months.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Fetterbush
This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.
Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.
CO2 Offset
A single fetterbush can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 6,541 miles.
Water Filtration
A single fetterbush can absorb enough stormwater to fill 215 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.
Removes Air Pollution
A single fetterbush removes as much air pollution as the weight of 21 smartphones.
Featured Projects
Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of Florida native trees. With an inventory of over 2 million container-grown trees, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of large-scale reforestation, mitigation, and landscaping projects throughout the Southeast region.
Phone
(386) 294-1211
Address
3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066