Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Agarista

Species:

Agarista populifolia

USDA Symbol:

AGPO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun

Bloom Colors:

white

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire. Fire maintains open pocosin and wetland habitats where this species thrives.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained, sandy loam

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to wetland areas, prefers acidic conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination and should be surface sown. Sporadic germination is common.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI