Lyonia ovalifolia

Lyonia ovalifolia is a shrub or small tree. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Common names include lyonia, fetterbush and staggerbush. Its home range starts in northeastern Pakistan. It runs through China to Peninsular Malaysia. The plant is native to Japan and Taiwan too. In the wild, it grows in woods and at their edges. It also grows in ravines and on mountain slopes. The old name Pieris ovalifolia is a synonym. This species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants may keep their leaves or shed them for winter. The branches arch and spread to form a broad shape. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a shrub height of 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres]. Its size list gives both height and spread as 12 feet [3.66 metres]. In ideal sites, tree forms can reach 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. These sizes show how much the plant can vary. Root suckers and rhizomes, or underground stems, help it form colonies. These dense groups can block a path. This explains the name fetterbush.

Leaf shape varies, even within this species. Leaves can be egg-shaped, oval, lance-shaped or almost round. They grow on short stalks. Each leaf is 4–8 inches [10–20 centimetres] long. The tips may be sharp or have a long point. Showy white flowers bloom in May and June. The leaves and broad, spreading shape add garden value too. Plants that keep their leaves add interest in winter.

Grow this plant in rich, acid soil that drains well. It grows best when the soil stays moist but drains well. Part shade is best, though it can take full sun. Dappled shade at the edge of woods suits it. Once rooted, plants can cope with some dry, sandy sites. Even so, they still prefer soil that stays moist. Missouri Botanical Garden lists medium water needs and little need for care. It gives USDA hardiness zones 6–8.

Use this plant in shrub borders, hedges or woodland edges. Moist ground can suit plants left to spread into colonies. Allow for root suckers near paths or other plants. Larger forms can serve as small trees with flowers. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Leaf spot can still occur. The sources give no facts on which parts are edible. They give no facts on toxicity either.