Carolina allspice

Also known as: strawberry shrub

Also known as the spicebush. It is a dense, spreading, bushy and sometimes suckering deciduous specimen shrub, bearing oblong to oval dark green to yellow leaves with hairy undersides. Dark brownish-red calyx-like strappy-petalled very fragrant flowers are borne at the ends of short branchlets in May. The fragrance is described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. Urn-shaped fruit capsules follow flowers and persist throughout the winter.

Scientific classification

Species: Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
Genus: Calycanthus
Family: Calycanthaceae

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy · Columnar upright
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Carolina allspice pictures

Distribution of Carolina allspice

Distribution map

Southeastern USA

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of Carolina allspice

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Carolina allspice care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering to shape and maintain size. Remove root suckers promptly. Tends to form colonies in the wild.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Growing

Prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade where it grows taller, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Autumn colour is better in its native habitat.

More growing and care information →