Neviusia alabamensis
A rare Alabama-native deciduous Rosaceae shrub forming dense hedge-like thickets, blooming in early spring with white stamens and no petals, and reproducing mainly by root sprouts.
Common Names
Alabama Snow Wreath, Alabama Snow-Wreath, Snow-Wreath, Snow Wreath
Summary
Alabama Snow-wreath (Neviusia alabamensis) is a deciduous Rosaceae shrub native to the southeastern United States. It has an upright, arching habit that typically reaches 3–6 feet tall and wide and often forms dense thickets by suckering. Distinctive features include white apetalous flowers in spring with very showy fluffy white stamens, alternate leaves with serrated margins, and reddish-brown, exfoliating bark. In cultivation it tolerates full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, and is hardy in USDA zones 4–8. It propagates easily by division or cuttings and benefits from pruning immediately after flowering to maintain vigor; removal of root suckers helps prevent unwanted spread. This shrub is well suited for hedging, borders, woodland edges, and rain gardens, where its arching form and spring bloom provide ornamental interest.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3-6 feet
Spread
3-6 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4-8
Sunlight Requirements
Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Soil Type
Moist, well-drained soil.
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil
Soil pH
Tolerates all pH levels
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
Spring
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Slow
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds, cuttings, division, layering; seeds rarely produced
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- A.Gray
- Publication
- Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts 6: 374 (1858)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Rosales
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Neviusia