Epigaea repens L. - Trailing arbutus
Family - Ericaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - February - May.
Habitat - Sandy and rocky xeric woodlands.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found mainly in the northern half of Alabama. The plant can be indentified by its hispid, creeping stems, alternate, rounded leaves, and whitish-pink flowers. The plant is often ovelooked.
The genus name Epigaea derives from the Greek "epi" meaning "upon, beside, over" and "gaea" meaning "the earth" referring to the growth habit of the plant.
The species epithet repens derives from the Latin "repen" meaning "creeping" again referring to the growth habit of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Moss Creek Preserve, Hoover, AL., 3-11-06.