General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Shrub
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 4b -31.7 °C (-25 °F) to -28.9 °C (-20 °F)
Maximum recommended zone: Zone 9b
Plant Height: 3 to 9 feet
Plant Spread: 6 to 12 feet
Leaves: Good fall color
Deciduous
Fragrant
Other: leaves turn yellow in fall
Flowers: Showy
Fragrant
Blooms on old wood
Blooms on new wood
Other: Try to purchase sweetshrub when in bloom to find one with fragrance. There is variation in the amount and nature of the perfume. The flowers also seem to become more fragrant as they age.
Flower Color: Other: maroon
Bloom Size: 1"-2"
Flower Time: Spring
Late spring or early summer
Summer
Late summer or early fall
Uses: Windbreak or Hedge
Cut Flower
Dried Flower
Will Naturalize
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Birds
Butterflies
Resistances: Deer Resistant
Toxicity: Other: Ruminants are reported to have a toxic reaction from grazing this plant. Calycanthus contains calycanthine, an alkaloid similar to strychnine, and it is toxic to humans and livestock if consumed in large quantities.
Propagation: Seeds: Sow in situ
Other info: Seed needs to be fresh. Plant right away or stratify for 60 days before planting.
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Layering
Division
Stolons and runners
Pollinators: Various insects
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs repotting every 2 to 3 years
Needs excellent drainage in pots

Image
Common names
  • Sweet Betsy
  • Sweetshrub
  • Carolina Allspice
  • Strawberry Shrub
  • Bubby Bush
  • Spicebush
  • Eastern Sweetshrub

Photo Gallery
Location: JBsPlants at Roblyn Farm, New Jersey
Date: 2018-03-17
Michael Lindsey's seed pod and seeds
  • Uploaded by JB
Location: Ohio
Date: 2010-04-30
  • Uploaded by Val
Location: Ohio
Date: 2010-04-30
  • Uploaded by Val
Location: JBsPlants at Roblyn Farm, New Jersey
Date: 2013-05-25
  • Uploaded by JB
Location: Ohio
Date: 2009-05-11
  • Uploaded by Val
Photo by Val
  • Uploaded by Val
Location: Ohio
Date: 2010-03-30
  • Uploaded by Val
Location: JBsPlants at Roblyn Farm, New Jersey
Date: 2013-05-15
  • Uploaded by JB
Comments:
  • Posted by flaflwrgrl (North Fl. - Zone 8b) on Jul 14, 2014 9:07 PM concerning plant:
    The Michael Lindsey cultivar is considered to be one of the best cultivars available. The dark blooms are highly fragrant & the leaves are darker & shinier than other cultivars.

    Native to Al, Ct, DC, De, Fl, Ga, Il, Ky, La, Ma, Md, Mo, Ms, NC, NY, Oh, Pa, SC, Tn, Va, WV.

    Leaves are opposite, simple, have smooth margins, oblong, glossy, aromatic & leathery, 4 - 6" long & 2-3" wide. Blooms are axillary with straplike petals.Very resistant to disease & insect problems.
    It is recommended that you purchase or obtain your plant while it is in bloom as strength of fragrance varies greatly from individual to individual.
    The plant suckers prolifically. It has a moderate growth habit. It adapts to many types of soil, but it naturally grows as an understory plant along streams & moist woodlands, where it is inclined to a more open shape. It does grow well in full sun, where it blooms more prolifically & has a more rounded habit, although shaping is required to maintain such, and in full sun it has a slower growth rate.
    The leaves, seed pods, stems & bark are spicily aromatic, reminiscent of cinnamon.
    It prefers moist soil, but it will survive periods of drought.
    Often planted near doorways or outdoor spaces in order to take advantage of the wonderful fragrance.
    An easy to grow plant & much underused. Pollinated by insects.
  • Posted by JB (Wrightstown, New Jersey - Zone 6b) on Apr 8, 2014 11:37 AM concerning plant:
    Michael Lindsey has a delightful fragrance.

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