Alabama Snow Wreath (Neviusia Alabamensis)

Features and Characteristics

Neviusia alabamensis, commonly called Alabama snow wreath, is considered to be a Missouri native, but may now be extinct in the state, having been last observed in 1918 near the town of Poplar Bluff. Although some subsequent isolated sightings of this plant were made in Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and southern Missouri, the plant remains quite rare throughout its range.

It is a rounded, suckering, deciduous shrub that grows to 3-6’ tall and as wide with erect stems that arch gracefully with age. Apetalous flowers bloom in clusters (cymes) of 3-8 flowers each in April-May. Each flower consists of a fluffy clump of white stamens surrounded by 5 spreading, greenish-white, leaf-like sepals. Flowers give way to somewhat inconspicuous fruits (drupe-like achenes) that mature in early fall. Double toothed, ovate to oblong-ovate, medium green leaves (to 5” long). Bark on mature stems exfoliates. Neviusia is most closely related to Kerria.

Genus name honors Ruben Denton Nevius (1827-191- , of Alabama, who discovered it there.

Specific epithet means of Alabama.