General Description | Neviusisa alabamensis is a deciduous shrub in the rose family. It has red to brown exfoliating bark and the flowers are apetalous, grow in clusters known as cymes and are a collection of white soft textured stamens. The flowers somewhat resemble those of the Callistemon genus. It is upright in form and will typically grow to be around 1-2 m in height and will spread slightly wider. |
ID Characteristic | Important characteristics to note when identifying this plant include the showy white stamens of the petalless flowers. The shrub has simple alternate leaves, with a reddish brown coloured bark. The bark is also exfoliating in habit. |
Shape | This shrub is upright in form. Reaching a height of roughly 1.8m. It is rounded in shape. With slightly drooping branches in maturity. |
Landscape | Alabama Snow Wreath makes for great screenings within the commercial landscape. |
Propagation | Neviusia alabamensis is propagated through softwood cuttings. In general it will root easily if propagated in this manner. It is also possible to complete propagation through root divisions. |
Cultivation | This shrub will do well in moderately moist, well drained soil. As it reaches maturity it becomes slightly more tolerant of dry soils. The shrub will tolerate part-heavy shade, however for optimal flowering it should be planted in full sun. |
Pests | There are no serious pests or diseases that commonly affect this plant. |
Notable Specimens | Troy University Herbarium, Troy, Alabama, United States of America. |
Habitat | Neviusia alabamensis will typically be found growing naturally along river and stream banks, limestone woods or cliffs, and within rocky woods. |
Bark/Stem Description | The shrub’s bark is exfoliating in habit and has somewhat of a cinnamon brown colour. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Describe the bud fully using taxonomic terms including size, shape, colour, scales, and other related taxonomic regularities as they occur. 3 marks |
Flower Description | Alabama Snow Wreath has very showy, white flowers that grow in cymes of roughly 3-8. The stamens have a very fluffy texture and are surrounded by sepals that are green in colour and spreading in habit. |
Fruit Description | Alabama Snow Wreath produces an achene fruit that reaches roughly 0.63cm in size. The fruit has no ornamental value. |
Colour Description | Foliage throughout the seasons remain a dull-medium green colour until leaves fall off in autumn. The flowers appear in april-may and are showy white. Bark remains a consistent light “cinnamon” brown colour throughout the year. |
Texture Description | The shrubs bark is exfoliating in bait making the texture slightly coarse. The flowers have a soft texture whie leaves are leathery and double serate on the edges causing them to be slightly jagged in texture however the leaf itself is not at all prickly. |