Fothergilla

Fothergilla (witch alder) is a genus of two to four species of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, native to woodland and swamps of the southeastern United States.

Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Saxifragales
Family:	Hamamelidaceae
Subfamily:	Hamamelidoideae
Tribe:	Fothergilleae
Genus:	Fothergilla Murr.
Species
Fothergilla gardenii †Fothergilla malloryi Fothergilla major Fothergilla milleri Fothergilla parvifolia

They are low-growing deciduous shrubs growing to 1–3 m (3–10 ft) tall with downy twigs. The brush-like flowers are produced before the leaves in spring on terminal spikes; they do not have any petals, but a conspicuous cluster of white stamens 2–3 cm long. 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.^[1]

Species

Flowers of F. major

• Fothergilla gardenii dwarf witch alder
• †Fothergilla malloryi (Extinct, Ypresian, Klondike Mountain Formation)^[2][3]
• Fothergilla major large witch alder (incl. Fothergilla monticola)
• Fothergilla milleri^[4]
• Fothergilla parvifolia^[4]

Etymology

The genus was named in honor of the English physician and plant collector Dr. John Fothergill (1712-1780) of Stratford, Essex, who was known for introducing American plants to Britain.^[5]

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. The hybrid cultivar Fothergilla × intermedia 'Mount Airy' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[6]

• Fothergilla 'Mount Airy'
• 
• 
•