Lyonia ligustrina - Web page Navigation - He-Huckleberry, Maleberry Page

Discover the beauty of Lyonia ligustrina, also known as maleberry or he-huckleberry. This flowering plant is native to the eastern United States, thriving from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. With a height of up to 4 meters, this shrub is a striking addition to any landscape. Its long rhizomes give rise to new stems, spreading up to 4 meters apart. The stems feature furrowed bark, adding an interesting texture to its appearance. The leaves of Lyonia ligustrina can be deciduous or not, depending on the variety. They are oval-shaped and measure up to 10.5 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width. Delicate white flowers adorn this plant, adding a touch of elegance to its overall beauty. The fruit of Lyonia ligustrina is a small, dry capsule.

Maleberry can adapt to a variety of habitats, including savannas, bogs, forests, pocosins, and swamps. It often thrives in ecotones, the transitional areas between different ecosystems. This resilient plant can grow in wet and dry habitat types and is even tolerant of fire. In fact, if its aboveground parts are burned away, Lyonia ligustrina can rejuvenate by sending up shoots from its rhizome. This characteristic makes it particularly suited to fire-prone habitats, such as pine barrens.

The common names maleberry and he-huckleberry allude to the plant's unique feature of producing hard, dry capsules instead of the typical fleshy, juicy fruits found in other species within the Ericaceae family, such as huckleberries and blueberries.

Overall, Lyonia ligustrina is a versatile and visually appealing plant that adds dimension and beauty to any landscape. Discover its unique qualities and adaptability today.