Flowering Plants
of the Forest
(Spring and Summer Bloomers)
Sweet Shrub
(Click on image to enlarge photo)
I...
Sweet Shrub - Calycanthus floridus
This shrub grows to a height of eight feet and bears a profusion of deep maroon or brownish flowers in May and June. Magnolia-like in form, the flowers are about 1.5" in diameter. Dr. Mike Dirr calls this plant "one of the great treasures of eastern North America." Also called Carolina Allspice, the flower has a wonderful fruity aroma and has been found as an "old-fashioned heirloom plant" included in older gardens.
