fothergilla n 1: 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: {fothergilla}, {witch alder}] 2: small genus of deciduous shrubs of the southeastern United States [syn: {genus Fothergilla}, {Fothergilla}]