Calycanthus occidentalis
Western Spice Bush
Description
This Oregon native is a broadleaf deciduous shrub that quickly reaches 4-6' tall and wide. It has an upright, rounded or irregular habit. Foliage is small and bright green turning yellow in fall. Purplish brown flowers appear in late spring, fading to yellow in summer. Crushed flowers and leaves are "fragrant" to some folks, reminding one of an old wine barrel. This plant can form thickets. It tolerates full or part sun and moist soil. It tolerates occasional flooding, clay or sand soil or no drainage. Prune to remove crowded stems.