Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus
ABOUT
Calycanthus floridus, commonly known as the sweetshrub or Carolina allspice, is a plant that features a dense, bushy habit with multiple branches. The leaves of sweetshrub are glossy and have a bright green color, which turns to golden-yellow in the fall. They are oppositely arranged on the stem and are oval to oblong in shape, with a smooth margin. The flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, have a unique, rich reddish-brown hue, and are sometimes described as having a chocolate-like appearance. They are often hidden beneath the leaves, emitting a fragrance reminiscent of strawberries or pineapples. The fragrance intensifies when the petals are crushed. The flowers give way to urn-shaped fruit capsules that house the seeds, which mature in the late summer to fall. These fruits persist into winter, adding interest to the plant’s appearance even when the leaves are gone.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Calycanthaceae
Synonyms
Eastern Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice, Strawberry Bush, Sweet Betsy, Spicebush
Common names
Butneria floridus, Butneria fertilis, Calycanthus fertilis, Calycanthus glaucus, Calycanthus laevigatus, Calycanthus praecox, Meratia fertilis, Meratia floridus.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Calycanthus floridus is Sweetshrub. This plant is considered to have a low toxicity level for humans. Ingestion of parts of the Sweetshrub may cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is advised to avoid eating any parts of the plant due to this potential toxicity.
To pets
Sweetshrub is also known to be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and stomach upset. While the plant is not typically lethal, it can cause discomfort and illness to your pet, and veterinary attention should be sought if any symptoms are observed after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Maroon
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Calycanthus floridus, commonly known as Sweetshrub, is known for attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its reddish-brown fragrant flowers and lush green foliage, Sweetshrub adds ornamental value to landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for various species of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
- Low Maintenance: Sweetshrub is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishing roots, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for various climates.
- Natural Borders: Can be used to create natural borders or screens in garden designs due to its dense growth habit.
Medical Properties- Antiperiodic: The bark of the sweetshrub has been traditionally used to reduce fever.
- Diaphoretic: It is said that the bark may induce perspiration to help lower fever.
- Stimulant: The bark of sweetshrub has been used as a stimulant in herbal preparations.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Repellent: The strong fragrance of Calycanthus floridus, commonly known as Sweetshrub, can be used to deter certain insects when the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin.
- Perfumery: The unique scent of Sweetshrub flowers has been utilized in the crafting of perfumes to add a deep, spicy aroma.
- Aromatic Sachets: Dried flowers and leaves of Sweetshrub are often placed in sachets to impart their fragrance in drawers and closets.
- Natural Dye: The bark of Sweetshrub can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding colors from beige to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary Flavoring: In historical uses, parts of the Sweetshrub plant have been used to impart a cinnamon-like flavor in small quantities to various recipes.
- Garden Design: Sweetshrub is popularly used in landscape design as a specimen plant or for naturalizing woodland gardens.
- Fishing Bait: The fruit of Sweetshrub can sometimes be used as a form of bait for fishing due to its strong smell that may attract fish.
- Livestock Feed: In some rural areas, the fruits of Sweetshrub have been fed to livestock as a supplemental treat.
- Education: Sweetshrub plants provide an opportunity for educational botanical studies due to their unique blooming properties and pollination mechanisms.
- Photography: Its striking flowers make Sweetshrub a popular subject for garden photographers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture its beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweetshrub is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweetshrub is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Calycanthus floridus, commonly known as Sweetshrub, is believed to symbolize protection because of its dense foliage, offering shelter and a haven for wildlife.
- Secret Love: With its hidden blooms often nestled within lush leaves, the Sweetshrub is thought to represent secret or concealed love—something precious and protected.
- Healing: The Sweetshrub has been used in traditional medicine, leading to its association with healing both physical and emotional ailments.
- Curiosity: Its unique maroon flowers that are not immediately noticeable invite a closer look, symbolizing curiosity and the rewards of discovery.
WaterTo ensure the health of the Sweetshrub, water it deeply so that the water reaches the roots, but avoid over-saturation. Generally, it is recommended to provide about one inch of water per week, which can be adjusted depending on rainfall and weather conditions. During the growing season, if there hasn't been significant rain, water your Sweetshrub at least once a week. In the case of potted plants or during particularly hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the top few inches of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water again, using about 1 to 2 gallons for mature plants, ensuring even and thorough soil moisture.
LightThe Sweetshrub prefers bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. It will thrive under dappled sunlight, which mimics the conditions of its natural understory habitat. Avoid placing it in full, harsh sun, particularly in the afternoon, as this can stress the plant. The ideal spot for a Sweetshrub is one where it receives morning light and shade during the intense afternoon hours.
TemperatureThe Sweetshrub can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30°F and is comfortable during the summer when temperatures don't exceed 100°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F to 80°F, where it will thrive and produce its fragrant flowers.
PruningPrune the Sweetshrub in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape and size. Pruning encourages healthy growth, air circulation, and allows for removal of dead or diseased wood. A moderate pruning every year or two is often enough; however, if the plant becomes overgrown, it can tolerate more severe pruning. The best time for pruning is immediately after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A balanced mix consisting of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sand would be ideal. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingSweetshrub does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current pot, which typically occurs every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingSweetshrub is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions but prefers average to high humidity levels, without the need for special humidity considerations in a typical garden setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light, and moderate humidity for Sweetshrub.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, mulch well, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCalycanthus floridus, commonly known as sweetshrub, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring after stratification to break dormancy. The seedling establishes a root system and grows into a young plant, producing simple, opposite leaves on green to brown stems. As the sweetshrub matures, it develops into a deciduous shrub with multiple stems, reaching 6 to 12 feet in height. In late spring to early summer, the plant flowers, producing maroon to reddish-brown fragrant flowers that can attract pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into urn-shaped capsules containing numerous seeds. In the fall, the sweetshrub drops its leaves and enters dormancy, with seeds dispersing to begin the cycle anew; the plant can also spread through root suckers, leading to the formation of colonies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process generally occurs in late summer. To do this, cuttings taken from the current season's growth, which has started to turn woody but still has some flexibility, are most successful. These cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. It's essential to dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then plant it in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, indirect light location until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new sweetshrub plants can be transferred to a more permanent location in the garden.
