Itea virginica

Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the Itea family (Iteaceae). Its native range extends from New Jersey to Florida and west to Missouri, Louisiana and East Texas. In its native habitat, it is found in moist woods, swamps, wet pine barrens and along small stream banks. The genus name is Greek for willow, referring to the leaves or flower clusters which look like some willow plants. The species epithet, virginica, means of Virginia.

The shrub tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, pH levels and light. Grow it in moist, slightly acidic fertile soil in full sun for best flowering, fall color and density. Avoid over fertilization. It can grow 4 to 8 feet tall with graceful arching branches. Dense colonies are formed by root suckering. Propagation is by seed, cuttings in spring or division. This plant blooms on the previous season's wood, so prune after flowering, before the next buds form in late summer. Periodic rejuvenation pruning of the oldest, thickest stems will encourage more shoots with flowers. The shrub is resistant to fire, drought, wet soil and deer but can be weedy due to its tendency to spread by suckering.

The species is rarely sold, and the cultivar 'Henry's Garnet' is easiest to find for sale. Fragrant bottlebrush-like flower clusters appear in late spring for several weeks and attract pollinators. The fruits, showy woody capsules with tiny seeds eaten by songbirds, follow in late summer and early fall. Fall leaf colors range from copper brown to orange and gold and last into winter. 

Since Virginia sweetspire tolerates periodic flooding, plant it in rain gardens, bioswales and on the banks of creeks, rivers and lakes. Use it also in butterfly, children's, edible, native and pollinator gardens. The suckers can stabilize erosion on slopes. Plant in small groups or as a mass planting in hedges, borders, natural areas and woodland edges.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• 3- to 6-inch-long raceme of small, white flowers—very showy. 
• Has pubescent petiole with a groove on the upper side.
• Green to reddish-purple stem (on the sunny side) with crescent-shaped leaf scars.
• Short branches have a superposed bud, are imbricate, and reddish green.
• Leaves are 1.5- to 4-inches long, with a finely serrated margin.  

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Resistant to Phytophthora root rot. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology,” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.