Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) Calycanthus floridus
Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) (Calycanthus floridus) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Calycanthaceae family, native to Woods and stream banks of the south-eastern United States. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Calycanthaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woods and stream banks of the south-eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
The seeds contain calycanthine, a convulsant alkaloid that has poisoned cattle; the leaves and bark are only aromatic.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Carolina allspice (sweetshrub)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Carolina allspice (sweetshrub)
- How far apart should I plant Carolina allspice (sweetshrub)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Carolina allspice (sweetshrub)?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Carolina allspice (sweetshrub) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The seeds contain calycanthine, a convulsant alkaloid that has poisoned cattle; the leaves and bark are only aromatic.
- What grows well with Carolina allspice (sweetshrub)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Carolina allspice (sweetshrub). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Dark maroon-red, strap-petalled flowers with a fruity scent of strawberries, bananas and spice in late spring; the leaves and bark smell of camphor and cloves. Pollinated by beetles. Smell a plant in flower before buying, as the scent varies.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides