AboutGeorge Heaton Expertise Carnivorous plants and other endangered or threatened plants of northwest Florida are
what I can answer questions about. Germination of seeds, growing instructions and other
care facts are available from me.
Experience I have my own bog which is suitable to grow carnivorous plants and it is populated by sarracenia, sundews and other plant life.
Education/Credentials I am a high school graduate and I am self taught in the carnivorous plant field.
Expert: George Heaton Date: 2/28/2008 Subject: stink bays
Question Since you know the bogs of NW Fla., perhaps you can tell me the name of a rhododendron-type shrub or low-growing tree known colloquially as the "stink bay"? It has a twisted trunk, similar to that of a rhodie or perhaps a mountain laurel.
Answer Good morning Jerry, I don't claim to know all the native plants in the bogs of northwest Florida but do claim to know most of the carnivorous plants in my small short tree pocosin or seepage type bog on my small 35 acre piece of property in northeast Bay county. Although I have no spurge laurel on my property, that may be the shrub you speak of. While stationed in Seattle I noticed several shrubs resembling the bay laurel. Being curious I pulled several leaves and noticed an unpleasant smell when I bruised them in my hands. Definitely, unlike the bay laurel, an herb unsuitable for cooking. One of the locals said they call it fox poison. I have never seen or heard any reference to a stink bay so my answer may not help at all. If you find out what it is let me know if you get a chance. Good luck, George
