Fetterbush
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Last reviewed: September 2026
Leucothoe fontanesiana, or fetterbush, is an evergreen shrub that grows well in part shade with medium, consistently moist soil. It produces white bell shaped flowers in April and May along woodland edges and stream banks in the southern Appalachians.
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
Before you buy
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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
- When does fetterbush bloom?
- Fetterbush typically flowers in April and May, producing drooping clusters of small white bell shaped blooms along its arching stems.
- What kind of light does fetterbush need?
- It grows best in part shade to full shade, mimicking the dappled light of a forest understory, though it can tolerate part sun with adequate moisture.
- How much water does fetterbush require?
- Fetterbush prefers medium to consistently moist soil and does not perform well in dry conditions, often growing naturally near streams and seepage areas.
- Does fetterbush attract pollinators?
- Its spring flowers draw bees and butterflies, which visit the small bell shaped blooms for nectar.
- Is fetterbush evergreen?
- Yes, it keeps its glossy dark green leaves year round, which can take on a bronze or purplish tint in colder months.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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