Fothergilla latifolia
Fothergilla latifolia J.F.Mill.
Fothergilla latifolia, known as large witch alder or mountain witch alder, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family and is found in woodland and swamp habitats of the Allegheny and southern Appalachian Mountains. The shrub grows up to 2.5 m tall and produces fragrant white bottlebrush flowers, which appear alongside or before the glossy leaves. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant red and orange.
Description
Fothergilla latifolia is a species of the genus Fothergilla in the Hamamelidaceae family. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This shrub thrives in woodland and swamp environments, particularly in the Allegheny and southern Appalachian Mountains. It reaches a height of 2.5 m and is characterized by its fragrant white flowers that resemble bottlebrushes. These flowers appear with or before the glossy leaves. The plant is notable for its autumn foliage, which turns vivid shades of red and orange. First described in 1776, it is part of the Hamamelidaceae family, commonly known as the witch-hazel family.
Distribution
Alabama · Arkansas · Georgia · North Carolina · South Carolina · Tennessee
Synonyms
Fothergilla alnifolia var. majorFothergilla majorFothergilla monticola
