Eastern Sweetshrub
Calycanthus floridus glaucus

Family: Calycanthaceae

What it is like

Calycanthus floridus glaucus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Rich woodlands. Deciduous or mixed woodlands, along streams and rivers, margins of woodlands from sea level to 1850 metres.

South-eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves, root and bark are dried and used as a substitute for cinnamon. Some caution is advised, see reports above on toxicity.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Emmenagogue. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat urinary problems.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a light loamy soil that is deep and moist but it succeeds in most fertile soils. Prefers a sunny position but it tolerates shade when grown in warm temperate zones. Requires a sheltered position, protected from cold winds. A very ornamental plant, it is often confused with the closely related C. floridus and is perhaps no more than a sub-species of that species. The leaves smell strongly of cinnamon. The seed only ripens in Britain after a hot summer. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. If the seed is harvested 'green' (as soon as it has fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately it can germinate in 3 weeks. Dried seed germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. Stored seed requires between 3 weeks and 3 months cold stratification before sowing in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. They can be difficult. Layering in spring. Sever the new plants in a wet spell of weather about 15 months later and then lift them in the autumn. High percentage. Division of suckers in early spring. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Some reports say that the fruits are poisonous to sheep. Calycanthus contains calycanthine, an alkaloid similar to strychnine, and it is toxic to humans and livestock.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. floridus glaucus. (Willd.)Torr.&Gray. C. glaucus.