LYONIA

genus of about 45 species of shrubs, of the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for its attractive white or pinkish flowers and dense foliage. All occur in North America and Asia. All species except L. lucida, the tetterbush, are deciduous. The leaves are alternate, have short stalks, and are smooth-edged or finely toothed. The flowers are usually bell-shaped or urn-shaped. Commonly cultivated speciesall of which grow best in damp or swamp soilinclude L. ligustrina, the maleberry, which grows 3.6 metres (12 feet) tall; L. lucida, which grows 1.21.8 m tall; and L. mariana, the staggerbush, which grows 1.8 m tall. Staggerbush is poisonous to livestock.