What Is Leucothoe?
Leucothoe is a plant genus that is part of the Ericaceae family. It contains about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs that are native to Asia, North America, South America, and Madagascar. This genus features unique tubular flowers that form in clusters and pointed, glossy leaves that change color throughout the season. The shrubs are commonly used as hedges, screens, or container plants. Commonly encountered problems with this genus include fungal disease and insect damage. This genus is named after the Greek goddess Leucothea. The common name for this genus is doghobble, and most of the species are known by a variation of this name. For example, Leucothoe fontanesiana is called the highland doghobble, while Leucothoe axillaris is called the coastal doghobble. Leucothoe racemosa is known as the swamp doghobble.
