NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details
Epigaea repens
Trailing Arbutus, Mayflower, Ground Laurel
Scientific Name: |
Epigaea repens |
|---|---|
Genus: |
Epigaea |
Species Epithet: |
repens |
Common Name: |
Trailing Arbutus, Mayflower, Ground Laurel |
Plant Type |
Shrub |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Plant Family |
Ericaceae (Heath Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Size: |
0-1 ft. |
Bloom Color(s): |
White, Pink |
Light: |
Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Dry, Moist |
Bloom Time: |
Feb, March, April, May |
Growing Area: |
Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain |
Habitat Description: |
In a wide variety of acidic forests, xeric to mesic, sandy, rocky, and loam. Common throughout NC. |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Alternate |
Leaf Retention: |
Evergreen |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Simple |
Life Cycle: |
Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
Has some wildlife value |
Landscape Value: |
Not Recommended for home landscapes |
State Rank: |
S5: Secure (*Key) |
Global Rank: |
G5 - Secure (*Key) |
Notes: |
Slow growing and difficult to transplant. Flowers very fragrant. Pollinated by bees, and is a host plant for Hoary Elfin butterfly larvae. |
|
Patch in the woods May 09
Tom Harville |
|
|
White Blooms May 08
Tom Harville The blooms have a wonderful aroma |
|
|
Pink Blooms Apr 02
Martha Baskin |
|
|
New Growth Early May 09
Tom Harville |
|
|
New Growth Up Close
Tom Harville |
|
|
Close-up of flowers in early April showing pubescent leaves and petals Orange County, NC
Bettina Darveaux |
|
|
Flowers can be white or pink Orange County, NC
Bettina Darveaux |
|
Links: |
|
back to top
go to plant details search
go to plant images search
go to gallery home
back to Initial e Gallery
back to orchids
back to Carnivorous Plants
back to Trilliums
