Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida)

Educational Story

The Fetterbush, Lyonia lucida, is a woody evergreen shrub that can be found growing in dry uplands as well as edges of wooded wetlands.  It glossy green leaves give it common name of Shinyleaf or Shiny Lyonia.  Fetterbush is abundant in the Central Florida Pine Flatwood ecosystems.  Its small, light pink, bell-shaped flowers are important for pollinators, and are typical of flowers in the heath family.  The dark brown fruits are consumed by birds and small mammals. Fetterbush has a large underground root mass which enables it to resprout quickly following fire.

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Gardening Facts

Scientific Name: Lyonia lucida
Common Name: Fetterbush, Staggerbush, Shiny Lyonia
Description of facts and concepts: Flowering shrubby plant;
Seed or division information: The fruits capsules dry to brown and split open, to release the mature seeds.  Can also be propagated by cuttings or root division.
Date of flower’s bloom (Month and week): Winter, spring, summer
Ecoregion: Pinelands
Color of Flower: Pink/red
Height: 3-6 feet, but can reach 12 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Family: Ericaceae (heath)
Soil Type: Base to Acidic Acidic (pH<6)
Soil: Dry to Wet Moist to sandy soils
Light: Sun to Shade Part shade
Zone 8A-10B