Taxonomy
Family: Clethraceae
Habitat
Moist acid soils.
Associates
Distribution
Native range extends from TX along the coastal states to ME.
Morphology
Perennial, suckering, woody shrub to about 8' high and 6' wide. Leaves alternate, simple, obovate, 2-4" long and 3/4-2" wide. Sharply serrate, upper surface glabrous and dark green. Flowers normally white, petals 5, fragrant, in upright racemes, both terminal and auxiliary.
Notes
Flowers July into August
Wetland indicator: Facultative Wetland
The last three images are of the cultivar 'Ruby spice', with pink flowers. The plant is a good addition to the landscape, perfect for moist or wet areas. Fall color can be a good yellow although rarely spectacular. Tends to to need rejuvenation pruning on a regular basis. The fragrance reminds me of bubblegum.
References
Dirr, Michael A. 1998. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification,
Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses.
5th ed. Champaign, Illiois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov).
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Michael Hough © 2004 |