How much sun does Swamp Doghobble need?

Swamp Doghobble grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Swamp Doghobble bloom?

Swamp Doghobble blooms in April and May.

Where is Swamp Doghobble native?

Swamp Doghobble (Leucothoe racemosa) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Swamp Doghobble toxic to dogs?

Yes. Swamp Doghobble 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 Swamp Doghobble toxic to cats?

Yes. Swamp Doghobble 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.

What pollinators does Swamp Doghobble attract?

Swamp Doghobble draws bees and moths.

Is Swamp Doghobble HOA-friendly?

Swamp Doghobble takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Swamp Doghobble

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Leucothoe racemosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Swamp Doghobble 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.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

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 452 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

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Swamp doghobble is an evergreen shrub that forms dense, rounded clumps with glossy dark green leaves. It produces clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers in spring and thrives in moist, shaded areas where many other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Doghobble takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently moist soil which may be difficult to maintain
Can appear leggy or unkempt without regular pruning
Name includes 'swamp' which may concern HOAs about appearance

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and moths, providing nectar during an important early season period. The dense evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp Doghobble need?: Swamp Doghobble grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Swamp Doghobble bloom?: Swamp Doghobble blooms in April and May.
Where is Swamp Doghobble native?: Swamp Doghobble (Leucothoe racemosa) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Swamp Doghobble toxic to dogs?: Yes. Swamp Doghobble 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 Swamp Doghobble toxic to cats?: Yes. Swamp Doghobble 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.
What pollinators does Swamp Doghobble attract?: Swamp Doghobble draws bees and moths.
Is Swamp Doghobble HOA-friendly?: Swamp Doghobble takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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