Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)

One of the most fragrant native shrubs available, sweet pepperbush blooms well even in significant shade, and its bottle-brush flower spikes host an exceptional 11+ species of caterpillars - a genuine pollinator and wildlife workhorse for wetland and woodland-edge plantings alike.

Species Overview

Commonly called sweet pepperbush or summersweet, Clethra alnifolia is a deciduous shrub native to wetlands and woodlands in eastern North America. It grows 3 to 8 feet tall and is prized for its fragrant, white to pink flower spikes that bloom in midsummer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This adaptable shrub thrives in moist, acidic soils and is often used in rain gardens, naturalized landscapes, and wetland restoration.

Application

• Wetland restoration and rain garden plantings
• Shade garden plantings - blooms well even in significant shade
• Pollinator habitat, particularly valued for its fragrant midsummer bloom
• Deer-pressured woodland and wetland-edge sites

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade - blooms best in dappled or partial shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, acidic soils; tolerates a wide range of soils including sands, gravels, and heavy clays
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow
• Bloom Color / Period: White; July-August
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
• Native Range: Nova Scotia and Maine south to Florida and west to Texas
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Salinity Tolerance: Moderate - salt spray tolerant
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Native to swampy woodlands, wet marshes, stream banks, and seashores, often in sandy soils; tolerates periodically wet soil.
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming - suckering, colony-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports hummingbirds, nectar source