Alternate name: California Sweetshrub, Spicebush

Family: Calycanthaceae, Spicebush view all from this family

Description A mound-shaped, deciduous shrub, Western Sweetshrub grows 6-15 ft. tall, with erect, multiple stems and glossy, aromatic, leathery, dark-green foliage. Terminal blossoms are solitary and dark red with numerous overlapping, strap-like petals. Unlike its eastern relative, the flowers of this sweetshrub are not fragrant. Leaves become yellow in fall but are usually not effective.

Habitat Moist stream banks below 4000 ft.

Range California Coast Ranges and w. Sierra Nevada from Tulare County to Shasta County.

Discussion Calycanthus occidentalis will develop leaf burn if planting site is too dry.

Comments Calycanthus occidentalis will develop leaf burn if planting site is too dry.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial sun.

Flower April - August

Native Distribution California Coast Ranges & w. Sierra Nevadas from Tulare County to Shasta County

Site Preference Moist stream banks below 4000 ft.

Soil Preference Moist soils.