Mountain witch alder
Fothergilla major
Last reviewed: October 2026
Mountain witch alder (Fothergilla major) is a perennial shrub native to AL, AR, GA, NC and 2 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Mountain witch alder (Fothergilla major) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, GA, NC and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rounded deciduous shrub with bottlebrush-like white flower spikes in mid-spring before the leaves fully emerge, followed by blue-green summer foliage that turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.
Growing Mountain witch alder
Grow Mountain witch alder in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Fragrant spring flowers are a good early nectar source for bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain witch alder need?
- Mountain witch alder grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mountain witch alder bloom?
- Mountain witch alder blooms in April and May.
- Where is Mountain witch alder native?
- Mountain witch alder (Fothergilla major) is native to AL, AR, GA, NC and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Mountain witch alder attract?
- Mountain witch alder draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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
Ready to grow Mountain witch alder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.