Lyonia ferruginea (Rusty Staggerbush)

Long-lived, Lyonia ferruginea (Rusty Staggerbush) is an evergreen flowering shrub or small tree prized for its small axillary clusters of fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers. Blooming in early to late spring, they emit a pleasant rose fragrance and are attractive to butterflies and bees. Emerging rusty-colored, the leathery, elliptic to oval leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), mature to dark green as the season progresses. The bark on the crooked trunks and irregularly spreading branches is cinnamon brown, scaly, and ridged. All parts of the plant have a rusty-colored pubescence, but it is most prominent on the leaf undersides. Native to Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, Rusty Staggerbush occurs naturally in scrub, scrubby flatwoods, xeric hammocks and moist pine flatwoods. Rusty Staggerbush is suitable for borders, foundations or near a deck or patio. It can be used in poorly drained sites where other plants struggle.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (300-600 cm) and 4-10 ft. wide (120-300 cm). Will spread by root suckers to form colonies over time.
• Performs best in full sun in moist to dry, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought and occasionally wet soils.
• Suitable for naturalistic landscapes and border plantings.
• No serious pest or disease issues. A caterpillar may cause partial defoliation but will do no lasting harm.
• No maintenance required except cutting back to keep it at a desired height.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina.