Fothergilla

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Fothergilla (fothergilla or witchalder) is a genus of two or three species of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, native to the southeastern United States.

They are deciduous shrubs growing to 1-3 m tall with downy twigs. The leaves are alternate, broad ovoid, 4-10 cm long and 3-8 cm broad, with a coarsely toothed margin; they are noted for their brilliant orange or red fall colors. The flowers are produced in spring on terminal spikes; they do not have any petals, but have a conspicuous cluster of white stamens 2-3 cm long.

Species

Fothergilla gardenii Dwarf Fothergilla or Dwarf Witchalder
Fothergilla major Large Fothergilla or Large Witchalder
Fothergilla monticola Alabama Fothergilla or Alabama Witchalder; commonly included in F. major

The genus was named in honor of physician John Fothergill.

Cultivation and uses

Fothergillas are grown as ornamental plants for their spring flowers and fall foliage color. They are slow-growing, rarely exceeding 1-2 m tall in cultivation.

External links

[Fothergilla major images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]

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