Fetterbush
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Leucothoe fontanesiana is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States that blooms with white flowers in April and May. This fetterbush thrives in partial shade and attracts bees and butterflies.
Fetterbush is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Fetterbush as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, GA, NC, NY and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Fetterbush is an attractive evergreen shrub with arching branches and glossy, dark green leaves that often turn bronze-purple in winter. In spring, it produces drooping clusters of small, fragrant white or pink bell-shaped flowers along the stems.
Growing Fetterbush
Grow Fetterbush in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fetterbush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies during early season blooming. The evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter for small birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Leucothoe fontanesiana native?
- Leucothoe fontanesiana is native to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- When does fetterbush bloom?
- Leucothoe fontanesiana blooms in April and May with white bell-shaped flowers.
- What pollinators visit Leucothoe fontanesiana?
- Fetterbush attracts bees and butterflies with its spring flowers.
- What growing conditions does fetterbush prefer?
- Leucothoe fontanesiana grows best in partial shade with medium to moist soil conditions.
- Is Fetterbush toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Fetterbush is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Fetterbush toxic to cats?
- Yes. Fetterbush is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Fetterbush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fetterbush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Fetterbush HOA-friendly?
- Fetterbush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Fetterbush and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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