Native Plant Trust

Clethra alnifolia

summersweet, sweet pepperbush

While the flowers look beautiful, the spicy, sweet scent of Clethra is its real draw for humans and a massive profusion of pollinating insects. Sweet pepper-bush is a widespread coastal and freshwater wetland plant, but it tolerates drought well once established, and its profusion of late summer blooms becomes a point of anticipation. Before the proliferation of lighthouses, many sailors knew this plant as "sailors' delight:" when the winds were right, they could often smell Clethra in bloom before they saw land.

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Height: 4-8 ft
Spread: 4-6 ft
Hardiness Zone: 4-9


Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Wet
Ecoregion
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Host Plant
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies
Tolerance
Drought Tolerant
Compaction Tolerant
Urban Environment
Salt Tolerant
Additional Attributes
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Erosion Control/Soil Stabilization
Landscape Use
Naturalize
Hedge/screening
Massing
Rain Garden
Specimen
Growth Habit
Spreading/Suckering


North American Distribution


summersweet - Clethra alnifolia from Native Plant Trust
by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
summersweet - Clethra alnifolia from Native Plant Trust
by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust