Common Names: Sweet Pepperbrush, Coastal Pepperbush, Alderleaf Clethra, Summersweet.
A deciduous shrub that is native to swampy woodlands, wet marshes, stream banks and seashores, often in sandy soils. It is rounded, suckering, and densely-branched, typically growing to 3-6’ (less frequently up to 12’) tall and is noted for producing a mid to late summer bloom of sweetly fragrant white flowers which appear in narrow, upright panicles (racemes to 2-6″ long). Flowers give way to dark brown seed capsules (1/8″ diameter) which may persist into winter. Mature stems have scaly, dark gray to brown black bark. Serrate, glossy dark green leaves (to 3-4” long) turn attractive shades of yellow to golden brown in fall. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and bees.
Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade and consistently moist, acidic, sandy soils. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. Tolerates clay soils and full shade. Promptly remove root suckers unless a naturalized look is desired. Prune if needed in late winter.
Nectar Source: Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds
Fruit Food Source: Birds, Mammals
Height: 3′-8′ Spread: 4′-6′ Bloom: July – August Light: Full Sun-Dappled Shade Water: Medium-High Zone: 3-9 Origin: Texas, Southeastern U.S.
