Quick answer: Mountain witch-alder (Fothergilla major) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: MichaelMaggs, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist, low drought tolerance |
| Soil | Acid, gravelly loams |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 20 ft, typically 6-12 ft |
| Wildlife value | Low wildlife value |
Lookalike alert
(wild-type, not cultivar); live plant, In Stock, $63.99, 5.0★/1 review, ships from Amazon — live-verified.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Mountain witch-alder
Where is Mountain witch-alder native?
Mountain witch-alder (Fothergilla major) is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Mountain witch-alder bloom?
Mountain witch-alder blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Mountain witch-alder need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Moist, low drought tolerance. Soil: Acid, gravelly loams. Mature height: Up to 20 ft, typically 6-12 ft.
Is Mountain witch-alder good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Low wildlife value.
Is Mountain witch-alder deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Mountain witch-alder is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Mountain witch-alder seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Mountain witch-alder.
- Longleaf pine Pinus palustris
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
- Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum
- Carolina jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens
Also listed under
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