Fetterbush is a native evergreen shrub in the heath family that is found in swampy areas, bogs and wet woods from VA to FL and west to LA.

It grows 3-6 feet tall and wide and has a dense arching often sprawling form that impedes (fetters) foot traffic of animals and humans making it a good hedge. This plant grows in moist to wet areas with seasonal flooding and prefers partial shade and rich acidic soil. It does well in better-drained sites though and can tolerate sandy soils once established.

Small fragrant flowers appear in clusters in spring and are followed by woody 5-parted capsules. It spreads by root suckers and rhizomes to form thickets.

Use this shrub in naturalized areas, wet sites, rain gardens and as a hedge or privacy screen.

Flowers and leaves are poisonous and contain Andromedotoxin, Grayanotoxin.

Host plant for some moth and butterfly species, specifically the Datana moths. Supports the following specialized bees: Colletes product and Melitta (Cilissa) melittoides.