Calycanthus floridus - Sweetshrub

6-9' × 6-9' | Deep maroon, fragrant blooms, late spring to summer | Dense woodland shrub with a rounded, suckering habit | Part shade to shade, average to moist, well-drained soils | Good pollinator value

Native to the shaded woodlands and stream margins of the Southeast US, Calycanthus floridus is a sensory standout. It thrives in deeply shaded understory areas but benefits from well-drained, organically rich soil, slowly spreading to form dense colonies if left unchecked.

Unique, multi-petaled maroon-to-brownish-red flowers emerge in late spring and bloom sporadically through summer, emitting a strong, fruity fragrance often compared to strawberries, melon, or pineapple. Spent blooms give way to unusual, pear-shaped, woody seed capsules that persist into winter. Large, dark green leaves have a rough, coarse texture and a spicy camphor-like scent when bruised, turning a golden yellow in the autumn. Features a dense, upright framework of aromatic branches that provides structural, bushy visual interest in the winter landscape.

Carolina Allspice makes a great specimen or sensory garden plant thanks to its broad stature, remarkably fragrant summer flowers, and dense foliage that acts as an excellent privacy screen. Includes cultivars like 'Athens' (highly fragrant pale yellow flowers) and 'Michael Lindsey' (exceptionally dark, glossy leaves and superior fragrance).

Larval Host for: 
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus (Occasional) 
Granulate Cutworm Feltia subterranea 
Various Leafroller Moths Family Tortricidae