Plants for a Future Database describes: Leucothoe axillaris - (Lam.)D.Don. Coastal Doghobble Author (Lam.)D.Don. Family Ericaceae Genus Leucothoe Synonyms Leucothoe catesbaei - (Walter.)A.Gray. Known Hazards Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least one other member of this genus is said to have poisonous fruits. Range South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida and Alabama. Habitat Moist woods near the coast. Edibility Rating 0 (1-5) Medicinal Rating 1 (1-5) Physical Characteristics An evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8m. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It requires moist soil. Habitats: Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Edible Uses: None known Medicinal Uses: Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Antipruritic; Expectorant; Poultice. Promotes the discharge of mucus from the nose. An infusion of the leaf is taken internally and also used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatism. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used to bathe itchy skin. Other Uses None known Scented Plants Flowers: Fresh The flowers are strongly fragrant. Cultivation details: Requires a lime-free well-drained humus-rich soil and some shade. Plants are not very successful in Britain. One report says they are not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the milder areas of the country, whilst another says that they are hardy to zone 6, which means tolerating temperatures down to -15° or lower. The flowers are strongly fragrant. This species is often confused with L. fontanesiana. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Propagation: Seed - sow late winter in a shady part of the greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, August in a frame. Fair to good percentage. Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months. Very high percentage.