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Publication #FOR 261

 

Lyonia lucida, Fetterbush1

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, Mary McKenzie, and Heather V. Quintana2

Family

Ericaceae, heath family.

Genus

Lyonia is named after John Lyon (1765-1814), a Scottish man who worked in the gardens of Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Species

The species name, lucida, stems from the Latin word lucens which means "glittering, shining, clear."

Common Names

fetterbush, shiny lyonia

The common name "fetterbush" refers to the growth habit of this shrub, as it tends to restrict or "fetter" the movement of humans or animals when it grows in abundance. The name "shiny lyonia" refers to this plant's shiny leaves.

Description

This native evergreen shrub is found along margins of damp swamp lands and ponds as far north as Virginia, south to Florida, and west to Louisiana. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. The oval leaves are simple and alternately arranged with a leathery and glabrous texture, and smooth, entire margins. A parallel vein runs next to the leaf's edge and a distinct ridge occurs around the lower side of the leaf margin. When young, leaves are a coppery color and as they mature become a darker green, reaching lengths of 1 to 2 inches. Twigs are brown and strongly angular, and plants usually grow with a multi-stemmed trunk. Flowers are bell-shaped, range in color from white to pink, and are approximately ½ inch long. Blooms are fragrant and appear as unbranched, elongated inflorescences that flourish in the late winter and early spring. Fruits are approximately 1/3 inch long capsules and turn brown when ripe.

Allergen

While many plants in the Lyonia genus are poisonous if ingested, Lyonia lucida is not known to be poisonous. However, many Lyonia spp. can cause irritation or a rash if sap comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, most Lyonia spp. are considered moderately to highly allergenic.

Applications

Cultural

It has been documented that Seminole Indians used the wood of fetterbush to make bowls for their tobacco pipes.

Horticultural

This shrub makes a great addition to wetter landscapes. Its showy flowers add a splash of color in the late winter and early spring. In addition, shiny lyonia is easy to maintain, making it a desirable addition to the landscape.

Wildlife

Since many members of the genus Lyonia are poisonous, it should not be planted in or near areas used by livestock. However, fetterbush does provide browse for white-tailed deer and its flowers are a good source of nectar.

References

Austin, D. F. (2004). Florida ethnobotany. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Gledhill, D. (1989). The names of plants (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge.

Godfrey, R. K. (1988). Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of Northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. Athens, GA: The University of Georgia Press.

Haehle, R. J. and J. Brookwell. (2004). Native Florida plants: Low-maintenance landscaping and gardening. Lanham, MD: Taylor Trade Publishing.

Miller, J. H. and K. V. Miller. (2005). Forest plants of the Southeast and their wildlife uses (Revised ed.). Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.

Nelson, G. (1994). The trees of Florida: A reference and field guide. Sarasota, FL: Pineapple Press.

Ogren, T. L. (2000). Allergy-free gardening: The revolutionary guide to healthy landscaping. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

Osorio, R. (2001). A gardener's guide to Florida's native plants. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants Database. Retrieved from http://plants.usda.gov/index.html

Footnotes

1.

This document is FOR 261, one of a series of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date June 2010. Visit the EDIS Website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Michael G. Andreu, assistant professor of forest systems, School of Forest Resources and Conservation; Melissa H. Friedman, biological scientist, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, IFAS, University of Florida, Plant City Center; Mary McKenzie, research assistant, School of Forest Resources and Conservation; and Heather V. Quintana, research assistant, School of Forest Resources and Conservation

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.