Sweet Pepperbush is a beautiful, multi-stemmed woody shrub native to our East coast from Nova Scotia and Maine down to Florida and over to Texas. In NC it is found in swamps and moist woods on the coastal plain and outer piedmont. Clethra is rhizomatous by nature, and if allowed, can form colonies between five and seven feet high. Like many plants that tolerate the wet conditions of swamps, Clethra is hardy and thrives trouble-free in upland gardens as well. Walking past in mid-summer one is struck by the delightful, heady scent of the bright white flowers and the audible buzz of pollinators. The flowers form on new growth and flower heads develop into peppercorn-like seeds reflected in the common name. In fall, the foliage is bright yellow and soft honey brown. Grows in full sun; foliage is more attractive in part shade. Named by Linnaeus himself, and selected Wildflower of the Year for 2015 by the Virginia Native Plant Society.
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Clethra alnifolia
Key Info
Scientific Name: Clethra alnifolia L.
Common Names: Coastal Sweet Pepperbush, Clethra, Summersweet, White Alder
Family Names: Clethraceae (White Alder Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Flower Color: White
Additional Info
Habit: Densely branched, upright, rhizomatous shrub.
Height: 5'-8'
Spread: 4'-6'
Soil Conditions: Thrives in moist, sandy, slightly acid soils but tolerates clay and standing water as well
Leaves: Alternate, simple, sharply serrated, obovate with pointed tip, 3-4" long with light pubescence beneath. Late to leaf out in the spring. Medium texture. Fall color is strong yellow to golden brown.
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Upright 4-6" terminal, usually solitary spikes of small, bright white, perfect, radially symmetric, fragrant flowers; open from the base upward.
Fruit: Capsules about 1/8 inch, ripe in fall and persisting into winter
Natural Distribution: Stream banks, costal zones, swamps in coastal counties from Maine south and around to Texas
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FAC (fACW on coast)
Pollination: Bees and other insects; hummingbirds.
Wildlife Connections: Reported to be deer resistant; attracts large numbers of native bees, bumble bees, honey bees, and butterflies; also attracts hummingbirds; good cover for small animals in natural settings
Propagation: Sweet Pepperbush can be propagated from seed or by cuttings.