Leucothoe consists of 6 species of flowering deciduous or evergreen shrubs from the Ericaceae plant family. They are often referred to as Fetterbush or Doghobble.
Leucothoe are native to Asia and North and South America. The plants grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet and have alternate, oblong-lanceolate, 2–15 cm long leaves.
Leucothoe produce clusters of elongated, urn-shaped, waxy, creamy white, fragrant flowers with 5 small lobes. The fruits are globular, 5-lobed capsules.
Toxic components
All parts of
Leucothoe contain grayanotoxins, which are highly toxic to horses if ingested.
