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eastern sweetshrub

Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus var. floridus

Family: Calycanthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)

Eastern Sweetshrub, scientifically known as Calycanthus floridus, is a captivating deciduous shrub appreciated for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. It is a popular choice for gardens due to its distinctive characteristics.

Common Names

  • Carolina Allspice
  • Eastern Sweetshrub
  • Strawberry Bush
  • Sweetshrub
  • Spicebush
  • Sweet Betsy
  • Sweet Bubby Bush

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces oddly-shaped fruit.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces oddly-shaped fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Calycanthaceae
  • Genus: Calycanthus
  • Species: floridus
  • Synonyms:
    • Calycanthus sterilis
    • Calycanthus fertilis
    • Calycanthus floridus laevigatus
    • Calycanthus glaucus
    • Butneria fertilis
  • Varieties:
    • Calycanthus floridus var. floridus
    • Calycanthus floridus var. glaucus

Distribution and Habitat

Eastern Sweetshrub is native to the east coast of the United States, ranging from Pennsylvania south to northern Florida and west to Mississippi. It is also native to the Upstate region of South Carolina. Commonly found on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub, typically growing to a height of 6-12 feet.
  • Features glossy, aromatic, leathery, dark-green foliage.
  • Produces burgundy, wine-red blossoms that are fragrant.
  • Leaves and twigs are aromatic when crushed.

Quirky Facts

  • The fragrance of the flowers is variously reported as reminiscent of fresh strawberries or pineapple.

Flowering and Fragrance

  • Flowers are produced from mid-April to mid-May.
  • The plant is known for its highly fruity-fragrant, reddish flowers.
  • The flowers have a distinctive smell that signals the plant's presence.

Cultivation

  • Eastern Sweetshrub is considered easy to grow and adaptable to various soil and light conditions.
  • It thrives in moist, well-drained, rich, and deep loams.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Calycanthus floridus.
  • Images are available from John Ruter at the University of Georgia.