What is "fothergilla"

n. any of several deciduous low-growing shrubs of the genus Fothergilla having showy brushlike spikes of white flowers in spring and fiery red and orange autumn color; grows from Alabama to the Allegheny Mountains [syn: witch alder]

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

They are low-growing deciduous shrubs growing to 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.

• Fothergilla gardenii dwarf witch alder
• † Fothergilla malloryi (Extinct, Ypresian, Klondike Mountain Formation)
• Fothergilla major large witch alder
• Fothergilla monticola Alabama witch alder; commonly included in F. major

The genus was named in honor of John Fothergill (physician).