This wetland shrub is common in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, uncommon in the Piedmont, and rare in the Mountains. Similar to Mountain Fetterbush (Eubotrys recurva), which replaces it in the Mountains.

Holly Shelter Game Land, Pender Co., NC 4/19/09.

Unopened flowers.

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

The deciduous alternate leaves are finely toothed, which helps distinguish it from other common ericaceous shrubs, such as Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana). In leaf it can be mistaken for Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica).

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Also known as Swamp Doghobble and formerly called Leucothoe racemosa (L.) Gray.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

The flowers are in long racemes (hence the name racemosa).

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

The fruits are dry capsules, which are broader than long.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Bark detail.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.