About Leucothoe fontanesiana (Steud.) Sleumer
Leucothoe fontanesiana, which has the common names highland doghobble, fetter-bush, mountain doghobble, and switch ivy, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. This species is native to the southeastern United States. It grows as an erect evergreen shrub, reaching 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) in height and spreading up to 3 meters (10 feet) wide. It produces glossy, laurel-like leaves that are 6 to 16 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. In spring, it bears pendent axillary racemes of urn-shaped flowers. As a calcifuge, this plant requires a shaded growing location and acid soil. The cultivar 'Rollissonii' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. L. fontanesiana is classified as a pollinator plant that supports and attracts both bees and butterflies.
