Sweetshrub, (Calycanthus florida) also known as Carolina Allspice, is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, early spring flowers. It naturally grows as an understory shrub in mixed deciduous forests, along streams and in moist woodlands. This native American plant is prized for its unique aroma, which has been described as a mix of sweet bubblegum, spice, and vanilla. The flowers are dark, reddish brown to wine-red flowers with sweet fruity scent open in April to May. Long lasting flowers make good cut flowers, and can also be dried and added to potpourri. Sweetshrub is a valuable pollinator plant, attracting a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. It is also a host plant for several species of butterflies, including the tiger swallowtail and the spicebush swallowtail. Sweetshrub has a long history of medicinal use. Native American tribes used the leaves and bark of the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin infections. The plant contains several compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Native Range: Eastern United States, North Carolina Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but will tolerate some drought Mature Height: 3-9 feet Mature Width: 6-12 feet Bloom Time: March-April Bloom Color: Creamy white with a red center Plant Pollination: Sweetshrub is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are male and female plants. In order for the plant to produce fruit, you must have both a male and female plant. See our Pollination page for more information on cross-pollination varieties and requirements!
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