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.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Width Range
6-12'
Flower Color
Purple, Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Moist
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Water Garden, Wetlands, Wild Garden, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Park, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.