Tree of the Week: Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus

Presented by the Department of Urban Forestry, 474-TREE

This is a shrub that is generally not used but really is an heirloom that should come back to our gardens. It is also called Carolina Allspice.

The bark was used as a substitute for allspice giving it the name. This shrub grows all over the eastern US and has some variation in flower color and fragrance. It may still be found in old gardens and really should be looked for when in flower or for fall color.

This is the plant associated with the start of the nursery industry in this area.

Sweetshrub can grow about 6-10′ tall and wide. It spreads easily by root suckers or can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Leaves are 2-5″ long, slightly hairy, and dark green turning yellow in the fall. Flowers bloom in mid spring to early summer with a deep red color and have an excellent scent of ripe berries and melons. Since fragrance is variable get cuttings from desirable known plants or established cultivars. It will grow more shoots every year and will get a nice rounded falling over habit. It needs average amounts of water, not flooded, but like all plants don’t water the tree? water the roots.

This shrub can be planted anywhere with full to partial sun. Make sure it is somewhere that all can enjoy the fragrance. Some thinning, after flowering, may be needed to prevent dieback in the center. Grows somewhat slow but worth the wait. Look for ‘Athens’ with yellow flowers, ‘Edith Wilder’ for sure fragrance, and ‘M. Lindsey’ for smaller size.

The City will be placing several of these in the Main Street Project near the Farmers Market. Call the Dept. of Urban Forestry at 474-TREE for more info.