Leucothoe
Leucothoe axillaris
Last reviewed: September 2026
Leucothoe axillaris is an evergreen shrub with arching branches and clusters of small white flowers in April and May, doing best in part shade with medium moisture along woodland edges and stream banks in the Southeast.
Leucothoe 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 Leucothoe as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Leucothoe is a graceful evergreen shrub that forms neat, compact mounds with arching branches and glossy leaves. It produces delicate white bell-shaped flowers in spring and thrives in shaded areas where many other shrubs struggle. The plant maintains its attractive foliage year-round and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Leucothoe
Grow Leucothoe in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Leucothoe is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing an important nectar source during the blooming period. The evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter for small birds and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Leucothoe axillaris bloom?
- Leucothoe axillaris typically flowers in April and May, producing drooping clusters of small white, urn-shaped blooms along its arching stems.
- What pollinators visit Leucothoe axillaris?
- The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, which visit the small tubular blooms for nectar.
- What light and water conditions does Leucothoe axillaris need?
- This shrub grows best in part shade with medium, consistently moist soil, and it tolerates deeper shade and somewhat wetter or drier sites once established.
- Does Leucothoe axillaris keep its leaves year round?
- Yes, it is an evergreen shrub, holding its glossy dark green foliage through the winter months.
- What kind of habitat suits Leucothoe axillaris?
- It grows naturally along stream banks, in moist woodlands, and on shaded slopes where soil stays humid and drainage is good.
- Is Leucothoe toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Leucothoe 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 Leucothoe toxic to cats?
- Yes. Leucothoe 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 Leucothoe toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Leucothoe as toxic to livestock.
- Is Leucothoe HOA-friendly?
- Leucothoe 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
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Leucothoe and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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