Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ericales>Ericaceae>Lyonia mariana (L.) D. Don

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Staggerbush is a common low shrub of the Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont of North Carolina. The deciduous leaves are entire (lacking teeth).

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

The large, distinctive leaf buds are reddish.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Large, ornamental urceolate (urn-shaped) flowers grow in umbellate clusters.

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

The specific epithet mariana refers to Maryland. Called Piedmont Staggerbush by Kartesz (USDA PLANTS database), which makes little sense since it is more common in the Coastal Plain.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Flowering is normally in spring, but Staggerbush may flower in fall in recently burned areas.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana)

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.