When does fetterbush bloom?

Fetterbush typically flowers from April through June, producing clusters of small bell shaped blooms along its stems.

What pollinators visit fetterbush flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the most commonly observed visitors to fetterbush flowers during its spring bloom period.

What growing conditions does fetterbush prefer?

Fetterbush does best in part shade with medium moisture, though it also tolerates wetter, boggy soils similar to those found in pocosins and pine flatwoods.

Is fetterbush deciduous or evergreen?

Fetterbush keeps its glossy leaves year round, making it an evergreen shrub rather than a deciduous one.

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.

Fetterbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lyonia lucida

Last reviewed: September 2026

Fetterbush is an evergreen shrub found in pine flatwoods, pocosins, and bog edges across the southeastern coastal plain, blooming April through June with pink to white bell shaped flowers.

Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) — Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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"–96" H × 36"–96" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Fetterbush is an evergreen native shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in spring. It naturally grows in wet areas and prefers partial shade with consistent moisture. The plant maintains a dense, rounded form that can reach 3 to 8 feet in both height and width.

Growing Fetterbush

Grow Fetterbush in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 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, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich spring blooms attract native bees and butterflies. The dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

When does fetterbush bloom?: Fetterbush typically flowers from April through June, producing clusters of small bell shaped blooms along its stems.
What pollinators visit fetterbush flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the most commonly observed visitors to fetterbush flowers during its spring bloom period.
What growing conditions does fetterbush prefer?: Fetterbush does best in part shade with medium moisture, though it also tolerates wetter, boggy soils similar to those found in pocosins and pine flatwoods.
Is fetterbush deciduous or evergreen?: Fetterbush keeps its glossy leaves year round, making it an evergreen shrub rather than a deciduous one.
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.

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