Common Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus

Calycanthus floridus, commonly called Carolina allspice, is a dense, rounded deciduous native shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-12' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. It blooms in early spring before leaves emerge, with the leaves, and sporadically thereafter.

Sweetshrub grows best in average, medium, well-drained soil in anywhere from full sun to deep shade. It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons and it will grow somewhat taller in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH but prefers rich loams. It can tolerate brief periods of flooding, but it struggles in sandy soil and drought conditions.  It's even tolerant to cold and heat, insect and disease pests, fire, and deer. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. It tends to sucker and often forms colonies in the wild. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired.

It is best to purchase this plant when in flower because the quality and intensity of the fragrance can vary widely from plant to plant. Also commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush in reference to the fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. The aroma is stronger in higher temperatures. Further common name of hairy allspice is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. 

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• Solitary maroon flowers on short axillary shoots
• Bark of deciduous shrub is aromatic when bruised
• Flowers are fruit-scented
• Leaves are opposite, grey-green & pubescent underneath

Tolerant cold, heat; soil adaptable; pH adaptable; tolerates full sun or shade; intolerant drought; relatively pest/disease free