SafePlants

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Clethra alnifolia
• Common Names: Sweet Pepperbush, Summer Sweet, Coastal Sweet Pepperbush, Alderleaf Pepperbush, Coastal Sweet Pepper, Alderleaf Clethra, Clethra

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Clethra
• Family: Clethraceae
• Plant Symbol: CLAL3 (as designated by USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America.
• Commonly found in moist woodlands, especially near water.
• Observed along the shores of six lakes in southwestern Nova Scotia.
• Found in open areas higher up on the shoreline in Nova Scotia.
• Particularly associated with coastal swamps.
• Also found in wooded fens, which are uncommon peatland types restricted to the southeastern part of a state (unspecified).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous woody shrub.
• Typically measures about 1 to 2 meters in height (but can grow up to 3 meters).
• Upright, suckering shrub.
• Rhizomatous shrub with aerial stems.
• Leaves are shiny, alternate, with toothed margins.
• Fragrant, white or pink terminal flowers grow in racemes or upright spikes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers have a spicy scent and attract many bees.

Cultivars

• 'Hummingbird'
• 'Paniculata'
• 'Pinkspire'
• 'Rosea'
• 'Ruby Spice'

Resources and Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
• Dave's Garden
• Toadshade Wildflower Farm
• National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)