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/]

Additional Information