Plant Family: Clethraceae
Growth Form: Multi-stemmed stoloniferous shrub up to 3 meters tall that forms open thickets.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, obovate, with prominent veins and a short-pointed apex, margins toothed only above the middle; the leaves often appear whorled at the twig ends.
Bark: Brown and somewhat shreddy.
Flowers: Small, white (rarely pink), with five petals, held in showy upright racemes, the blossoms have a spicy fragrance and attract many pollinators; July to August.
Fruits: Three-valved capsules that superficially resemble peppercorns and hold numerous tiny seeds; the dried capsules are visible year-round.
Habitat: Bog edges, swamps, streambanks, shores, generally in or near wetlands; occasionally seen on drier soils.
Range: Uncommon to rare in northern New England, common in southern New England, ranging south on the coastal plain to Florida and Louisiana.
Key Features: The wetland habitat, fragrant flowers, and dry fruit capsules that are present throughout the year will identify Sweet Pepperbush.
Comments: Sweet Pepperbush is resistant to browsing by deer; cultivars are available for the garden border.
