How to Grow and Care for rusty staggerbush

This unusual plant can grow as a shrub or small tree, and as a deciduous tree or an evergreen, depending on the harshness of its environment. Oval-leaf staggerbush is cultivated as an ornamental, and sometimes as very sturdy hedging. Lyonia species are commonly called "fetterbushes" as they grow so densely that humans and animals can't push through their branches, and this species is no exception.

Fetterbush lyonia is a species of evergreen plant native to the southeastern United States. This versatile shrub is usually found in wet places, such as swamps, but it will also grow well in direct sun and dry soil.

Maleberry (Lyonia ligustrina) owes its interesting common name to the dry, hard capsules it produces instead of juicy berries. A common feature in wetlands across the eastern U.S., this species tolerates a wide variety of habitats. It is known for its resistance to brush fires, and it thrives in areas commonly struck by such blazes.

Oval leaved lyonia (Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica) is a woody evergreen shrub that grows in forests and dry slopes at elevations from 1000 to 2700 m. Interestingly, it also grows in the proximity of hot springs. The common name "Fetterbush" comes from the fact that its dense growth hinders—fetters—human and animal activity.

Lyonia ferruginea, common name rusty staggerbush is a plant of the Lyonia genus. It was first described by Thomas Walter, and was named by Thomas Nuttall. No subspecies are listed in the Catalog of Life.