Eastern Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice, Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus floridus L.)

Calycanthaceae (Sweetshrub Family)

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Eastern sweetshrub or Carolina allspice is a 6-12 ft., deciduous shrub with glossy, aromatic, leathery, dark-green foliage. Its with erect, multiple stems create a rounded outline. Terminal blossoms are solitary and dark red with numerous overlapping, strap-like petals. Flower are often quite fragrant. Leaves become yellow in fall but are usually not showy.

Photographic Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Calycanthus floridus is very resistant to disease and insect problems. It has a prolific suckering habit, adapts to many soils, and grows taller in shaded places.