Rusty Lyonis

Rusty Lyonis or Coastalplain Staggerbush (Lyonia fruticosa) is native to the dry Florida Scrub, scrub, open dry areas and sandy areas and...Read More dunes as well as similar habitats in dry, scrubby, or sandy, open sites in the southeastern U.S., on the coastal plain from South Carolina south along the coast through east and southeastern Georgia and south throughout much of Florida except about 11 counties in the northwest Panhandle as well as 2 additional counties in south-central and southwest Florida. It is also found in most open habitats as well as moderately dry or slightly moist to seasonally moist habitats as well as in nearly dry open sites or scrub habitats. It has tubular, small, cream to whitish flowers that may attract some pollinating insects. The leaves are oval-shaped and roundish to somwhat pointed. It is a great native plant for wildlife as well as for xeriscaping. It likes open sites as well as maybe some shade. A great plant for wildlife (provides shelter for wildlife and possibly for them as a food source) and for some pollinating insects!

MORE FACTS - Synonyms are Andromeda ferruginea Walter var. fruticosa Michx., Andromeda ferruginea Walter var. frutescens Veill., Lyonia ferruginea (Walter)Nutt. var. fruticosa (Michx.)Rehder, and Xolisma fruticosa (Michx.)Nash. It is found mainly as a small to medium shrub. It is also found in mesic flatwoods and pine flatwoods as well as most dry to moderately dry, open habitats as well as very dry scrub habitats such as the Florida Scrub. The leaves help it survive in dry habitats, although it also tolerates some moist habitats. Found mainly in open habitats.