Contents
Description
Lyonia Mariana is a native plant of North America that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is commonly known as the Staggerbush or Fetterbush. It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The plant has several woody stems with a reddish-brown bark. The leaves are lance-shaped and glossy green, turning reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers are small, pinkish-white, and bell-shaped, blooming in clusters in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Lyonia |
Appearance
Lyonia Mariana is a deciduous shrub that has a dense, twiggy growth habit. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are lance-shaped and glossy green, turning reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers are small, pinkish-white, and bell-shaped, blooming in clusters in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds. The plant has several woody stems with a reddish-brown bark.
Care Guide
Lyonia Mariana is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers acidic, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with organic matter if necessary.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lyonia Mariana is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Lace bugs: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.
Habitat
Lyonia Mariana is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas. It grows in moist, acidic soils in wooded areas, bogs, and swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lyonia Mariana a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Lyonia Mariana is a great plant for landscaping, especially in naturalistic or woodland gardens.
Q: Does Lyonia Mariana attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Lyonia Mariana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: Does Lyonia Mariana have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and diarrhea.
Related Plants
– Lyonia ferruginea- Lyonia fruticosa- Lyonia ligustrina- Lyonia lucida- Lyonia maritima
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Lyonia mariana. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LYMA- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Lyonia mariana. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279412&isprofile=0&basic=lyonia%20mariana- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Lyonia mariana. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LYMA2
