Calycanthus floridus

Comments:0 Comments

Carolina-Allspice

Taxonomy:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Magnoliids
  • Order: Laurales
  • Family: Calycanthaceae
  • Genus:Calycanthus
  • Species:Calycanthus floridus

Common Names:

  • Carolina Allspice
  • Eastern Sweetshrub
  • Spicebush
  • Strawberry-bush

Many of the flowering plants featured on our website are available through Nature Hills Nursery. Ordering them through this link will support the Cernunnos Foundation and your garden!


paid advertisement

Description:

Bark: Light brown to gray, aromatic when crushed, giving off a camphor-like scent.

Plant Type: Deciduous shrub

Height: 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters)

Spread: 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters)

Foliage: Opposite, simple, and broadly ovate leaves with a glossy, dark green appearance; yellow in autumn.

Flowers: Aromatic, dark reddish-brown to burgundy flowers, resembling magnolias, with numerous petals. Bloom in late spring to early summer.

Fruit: Woody, urn-shaped capsules that persist into winter.


Known Range:

Primarily found in the southeastern U.S., from Virginia and Kentucky south to Florida and Louisiana. Naturalized in some parts of the Midwest and Northeast.


Care Requirements:

Light: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, moist, acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay.

Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist, especially during the establishment period. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.

Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to scale and aphids. Monitor for root rot in poorly drained soils.

Propagation: Easily propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering.


Special Features:

  • Fragrant flowers and bark
  • Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
  • Deer-resistant

Landscape Use:

  • Ideal for use as a specimen plant, in borders, or in woodland gardens. Its fragrance makes it an excellent choice near patios or walkways.
https://cernunnosfoundation.com/merch
Spread the love

Categories:

Leave a Reply