This rare deciduous shrub of the Mountains and Piedmont of North Carolina is similar to Coastal Witchalder (Fothergilla gardenii) of the Coastal Plain, but has larger leaves and flowers. This individual was growing along Barnes Creek, near Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

The white bottlebrush-like flowers are quite ornamental.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Showy stamens.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Bark detail.

Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Bark of a small stem.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Flat River, Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Mountain Witchalder is most frequently seen as a garden ornamental, grown for both its fragrant bottlebrush-like flowers and its brilliant orange-red fall foliage. Also called Large Witch-alder.

The planted specimen at left is actually a hybrid, Fothergilla gardenii × major 'Mount Airy'.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/11/04.