Coastal Plain Staggerbush

Lyonia fruticosa

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Lyonia
Species:
Lyonia fruticosa

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
White
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acrocercops sideroxylonella, woodland chocolate (Argyrostrotis sylvarum)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to pine flatwoods and scrub habitats

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o