Staggerbush

Description:

Individual in the Ericaceae family. Small, white, bell-shaped flowers, 5 lobes to flowers. Leaves oval in shape. New growth appears a "rusty" color. Reddish scales are visible on the underside of leaves (more noticeable in newer growth. Pictures also show the dried fruit.

Habitat:

Flatwoods

Notes:

Do not mistake with Lyonia ferruginea. In both species, new growth appears a rusty color; however, fruticosa has flat leaves and the leaves decrease in size toward the edges of the branch. Ferruginea has revolute leaves (folding under) and the leaves do not decrease in size toward the tip of the branch. See reference for more information on this distinction.