PLANT OF THE MONTH

Neviusia alabamensis, commonly referred to as Alabama Snow-wreath.

JIM FUNAI, Ph.D

Cuyahoga Community College SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

NEVIUSIA ALABAMENSIS

ALABAMA SNOW-WREATH

We thought we would have this month’s article synced perfectly with the timing of this shrub’s blooming period, yet as we write, blooms are trending a solid two to three weeks early this spring. That said, take a moment to tune out of your regularly scheduled spring chaos to consider this month’s Hendricks Experience Plant of the Month, Neviusia alabamensis, the Alabama snow-wreath.

Most of you have likely never heard of this flowering shrub – a member of the very popular Rosaceae family – as it is now quite rare to find, even in its native range of Northern Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia and up to southern Missouri. Fossil records indicate this plant actually had a much broader distribution, but habitat destruction and development caused it to go extinct in much of its historic range.

In researching this plant for our purposes, Bill was quick to mention the obvious – that many contractors will think it seems pretty unlikely that a plant with Alabama in the name could possibly be cold-hardy to zone 5. Fear not. We have great evidence to support that it will be right at home, here in Ohio, including one specific instance we know of that, for many years, could be found thriving in the Children’s Garden at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, even after a harsh winter.

Horticulture is actually pretty well acquainted with this flowering shrub. It was named by Dr. Asa Gray, after receiving samples from Reverend Dr. Reuben Denton Nevius, in 1857. Before the Civil War broke out in the states, samples had been sent to Kew Botanical Gardens and other major plant collectors from across Europe. This novel member of the Rose family captured all of the plant nerd’s attention at the time, yet – despite this popularity – it has more recently become all but forgotten.

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Neviusia alabamensis does not seem to be too picky about its location in the garden, so long as you protect it from excessively dry soils. Great drainage seems to be the key to a full colony, as it was not uncommon for Dr. Nevius to find these growing on the rocky embankments of the Black Warrior River of N.E. Alabama. It is a suckering/colony forming shrub, reaching into the 6 foot tall range, with many stems coming from the ground, just like a close cousin from Asia, Kerria japonica.

We think the bark of the stems is reminiscent of another cousin, Nine Bark (Physocarpos opulifolius), with long reddishbrown strips peeling down the stems and a tan background setting them off. Leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong, reaching up to 3.5 inches long. With an acute apex and double serrate margin, they have the look of a shorter/wider Kerria leaf. While fall color is not mind blowing, they will provide a clean yellow accent for a short period of time.

Fruits are a dried-up achene of zero importance. The fruit is neither abundant, nor showy. The plants appear to be somewhat self-fertile, as solitary shrubs will form some seeds, but groupings will in-fact produce more. Again, fruit is of little importance, as it does not reseed well. Primary spread of the species is through root suckering into a larger colony.

The name “snow-wreath” comes from the spring blooms mentioned earlier. They are perfect (male and female parts present) but are apetalous (have no flower petals). Instead of being showy with petals, there are many male stamens exploding from the center of the flower, like mini fireworks. There is no noticeable scent to theses flowers, but in mass, the creamy-white flowers have a very feathery, soft texture to them, providing a rather unique experience in the garden.

There are no reports of serious disease or insect issues with this plant, making it ideal for a lower maintenance garden. In fact, the only real maintenance would be periodic cutback (coppice pruning), just after flowering (during your summer round of pruning). This coppice pruning will help rejuvenate the plant, much like Spirea and the like. Conversely, you could put it on the three-year pruning plan, taking a third of the oldest canes out each year, to help keep it rejuvenated – much like you should be doing with your Red Twig Dogwood

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species. If you would like more information on pruning, check out the next round of dormant pruning clinics offered by the OLA this fall/winter.

We do not expect this to be the next big hit, unless the white colored pot people find it and give it a cute cultivar name. However, there is a place in the garden for this beautiful arching/colonizing shrub. It supports all kinds of pollinators with its abundant blooms, and we know it has a much higher heat tolerance, making it suitable for the more urban landscapes. This is a great plant for slopes and large screen plantings to mix things up. Its ability to thrive in full sun, into a decent amount of shade, add to the versatility of this beautiful yet understated native shrub.

Jim Funai, PhD. is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.