Table of Contents > Shrubs

Clethra alnifoliaClethra alnifolia

sweet pepperbush, summersweet

Photograph(s) by*: USFWS

Characteristics

Height: 6-12'
Spread: 3-6'
Flowers: Jul.-Aug.; white/ pink
Fruit: Sept.-Feb.; brown; capsule
Fall color: yellow

Conditions *

Light: Partial shade Shade
Moisture: Moist Wet
Soil pH: 4.5-6.5
Soil type: Clay Loamy Sandy

Habitat

tidal and nontidal forested wetlands, shrub swamps, bogs, sandy woods, coastal river floodplains, lakeshores

Native to

Region: Coastal *
States: MD DE PA NY VA

Wildlife

Butterfly Songbird Waterfowl Small mammal Beneficial insect *

Notes

very fragrant; tolerates some flooding by partly salty water


 Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/plant/1227.htm
Last updated: 1 October 2004