ExplorePlants

Carolina sweetshrub

Calycanthus floridus

The Carolina sweetshrub is a lovely shrub with sweet-smelling flowers. It blooms in spring and has green leaves that turn yellow in the fall, making it a beautiful addition to gardens.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Carolina sweetshrub has unique reddish-brown to maroon flowers with many strap-like, twisted petals. Its large, glossy green leaves are simple and opposite, often emitting a distinct spicy fragrance when crushed. This dense, multi-stemmed shrub forms a rounded shape.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLauralesFamilyCalycanthaceaeGenusCalycanthus
Carolina sweetshrub
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badge
Carolina sweetshrub

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even the bark of this plant smells spicy, like cinnamon when you scratch it!

Its unique flower petals feel like soft, leathery ribbons to the touch!

Some people call it "strawberry shrub" because of its sweet, fruity smell.

The hard, woody seed pods look just like little brown urns hanging on the branches!

Special abilities

Ability

Scent Shield

Carolina sweetshrub leaves release a spicy, camphor-like scent when crushed, helping to deter some hungry animals.

Ability

Beetle Beacon

Its maroon, strap-like flowers emit a fermenting fruit scent, specifically attracting fascinating beetle pollinators.

Ability

Winter Wonders

The plant produces unique urn-shaped seed pods that stay on the branches through winter, providing visual interest.

Measurements & details

Height
180-300 cm
Spread
180-300 cm
Flower Size
4-7 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Carolina allspiceSweetshrub

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always stay on paths when exploring nature and don't touch plants without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Carolina sweetshrub?

180-300 cm

How wide does Carolina sweetshrub spread?

180-300 cm

How big are the flowers on Carolina sweetshrub?

4-7 cm

When does Carolina sweetshrub bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is Carolina sweetshrub edible?

No

Is Carolina sweetshrub toxic?

Mild

What is Carolina sweetshrub's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Carolina sweetshrub pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Plants