Lyonia ferruginea aka Rusty Lyonia

Lyonia ferruginea is an evergreen shrub or tree from the southeastern United States. It belongs to Ericaceae, the heath family. Kew records it as a plant of subtropical regions. The Royal Horticultural Society also lists its range as southeastern USA. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. An older scientific name is Andromeda ferruginea. Its evergreen leaves and rusty scales are key features.

The plant sprouts readily and can form thickets. These can reach 20 feet (6.1 metres) in height. Larger plants develop stiff, twisted branches and an uneven crown. This gives the plant a less regular outline as it grows. The bark is gray-brown and becomes covered with fine scales. Slender twigs are green, though dense rusty-brown scales often cover them. Each leaf scar has a single bundle scar. The supplied evidence gives no separate size range for garden plants.

The leaves grow alternately along the stems, rather than in pairs. Each leaf is simple, with a thick blade. Leaf shape ranges from elliptical to obovate, broadest toward the tip. They measure 1 to 2½ inches long. The upper surface is blue-green. The underside is much paler and bears rusty scales. Leaf edges are smooth to slightly wavy and roll downward. The botanical term for these rolled edges is revolute. The leaf and twig scales give several parts a rusty cast.

Small white flowers appear in spring on the previous year's growth. They sit in the leaf axils, where leaves meet stems. Flowers occur alone or in small groups. Each is about a quarter-inch long and shaped like an urn. Five joined petals form the flower, which bears many light-brown scales. Dry, reddish-brown capsules follow the flowers. Each capsule is about a quarter-inch long and has five valves. The fruit matures in late summer and remains on the plant.

The supplied sources focus on identity, range, and visible features. They give no firm guidance on garden light, soil, or watering. They also provide no hardiness zone or cultivated spread. No pest, disease, or landscape-use details appear in this evidence. It does not establish edible parts or safety for people or pets. These gaps do not show that the plant is safe to eat.