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(Clethra acuminata)
Cinnamon Clethra (Clethra acuminata)
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Michael J. Papay
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michael J. Papay
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michael J. Papay | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michael J. Papay | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-29T09:45:28-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Clethra acuminata, commonly known as the Cinnamon Clethra or Mountain Sweet Pepperbush, is a deciduous shrub native to the moist, acidic soils of the Appalachian Mountains’ understory in the southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) with a similar spread, and features a rounded to irregular form. The plant is noted for its exfoliating, cinnamon-brown bark and elongated, fragrant white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, which are quite showy and attract a variety of pollinators.
Cinnamon Clethra is valued for its fragrant, bottlebrush-like flowers, which provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. It is also used for naturalizing in woodland gardens, as a specimen plant, or in shrub borders. This shrub prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if consistently moist conditions are maintained. It thrives in acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils, and requires medium amounts of water. While generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from leaf spot and twig blight if conditions are too wet. Cinnamon Clethra is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, but it may sucker and form colonies if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cinnamon Clethra is valued for its fragrant, bottlebrush-like flowers, which provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. It is also used for naturalizing in woodland gardens, as a specimen plant, or in shrub borders. This shrub prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if consistently moist conditions are maintained. It thrives in acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils, and requires medium amounts of water. While generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from leaf spot and twig blight if conditions are too wet. Cinnamon Clethra is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, but it may sucker and form colonies if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 8-20 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Moist, acidic soils of the Appalachian Mountains’ understory
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Sweetpepperbush, Cinnamon Clethra, Mountain Sweet Pepperbush, Stor Konvaljbuske
Scientific Names: , Clethra acuminata, Clethra glauca, Clethra michauxii, Clethra alnifolia f. michauxii, Clethra montana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Clethra acuminata Michx.