Clethra alnifolia
Sweet Pepperbush
General
Also called coastal sweet pepperbush, Clethra alnifolia is a versatile and attractive plant. It is tolerant of salt and drier sites. Sweet pepperbush provides cover and food for birds, and is occasionally eaten by deer, though not preferred.
Plant Description
A medium sized shrub growing up to eight feet in height. Clusters of fragrant white flowers in July and August. Leaves are elliptical and doubly toothed.
Height (ft)
8-16
Spread (ft)
4-6
Soil moisture
High
Soil types
Sandy, tolerates acidic, medium to coarse in texture
Wetland indicator
FAC+
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Summer
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
Meduim
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Tolerant
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Eastern Seaboard of the US, not extending far into Florida but following the gulf coast until the Louisiana border.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]