Leucothoë Description & Distribution

English name: Leucothoë

Sub Title:  Description & Distribution

Leucothoë, genus of about eight species of shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae), native to North America and eastern Asia. Species such as highland doghobble (Leucothoë fontanesiana) are grown as ornamentals, chiefly for their foliage and attractive flowers.

The plants grow to about 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height. The simple leaves are alternate, are usually evergreen, and have short leaf stalks and toothed edges. The urn-shaped flowers have five small teeth at the mouth, are borne in clusters along the branches or at the branch tips, and are typically white or tinged with pink.