Native Shrubs in Wildlife Landscaping

Mountain Fetterbush

Low Food and Good Cover

Mountain Fetterbush- Pieris floribunda

Form:
Shrub, 2 to 6 feet tall.

Bark and Twigs:
Light brown, no distinguishing characteristics.

Leaves:
Evergreen, alternate, simple, oblong, small serrations on the margin, glossy green, 1 ½ to 2 inches long.

Flowers:
May. White, urn-shaped, in terminal spikes.

Fruit:
Dry globose capsule, inconspicuous.

WV Range:
Pendleton, Pocahontas, Greenbrier Counties . On the eastern slopes of the Alleghenies.

Natural Habitat:
Well drained mountain woods.

Wildlife Use:
Little data available. Probably unimportant as a food source. Clumps provide good cover.

Horticulture:
Uses: Border, specimen, massing
Light: Partial to full sun. Protect from full winter sun.
Soil Moisture: Moist but well drained.
Soil pH: Acid.
Problems: Not suited to windy areas.

Compiled by: Brian McDonald, botanist, coordinator Natural Heritage Program, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Elkins, West Virginia.

Written by West Virginia Native Plant Society members and jointly published with the WV Wildlife Diversity Program.

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