WSU Clark County Extension
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Summersweet

Scientific name: Clethra alnifolia
Taxonomy
Family:Clethraceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:8 ft
Width:6 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:August to September
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Summersweet is best known for its bottle brush like flowers which have a very pleasing fragrance during mid to late summer. Summersweet is also known as Sweet Pepper Bush.

  Morphology:
This is a slender, upright, slowly spreading, deciduous shrub which typically grows 5’ to 8' tall and 4’ to 6’ wide. Leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion. They are 1.5” to 4” in length and 1”- 2” wide.

In the fall the leaves turn a striking yellow color before they are shed.

As the flowers fade they give rise to spikes of dark brown seed capsules which persist into winter and provide continuing interest. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

  Adaptation:
Summersweet can do well in areas of both sun and shade. Try to avoid the hot dry sites as the plants won’t thrive as well. The best site is one that has moist to wet soil in the shade. Select acidic soils for optimum growth.

  Pests:
Spider mites can be a severe on plants in hot, dry locations.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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