Carolina-allspice (Calycanthus floridus, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1066 (1759))

Family: Calycanthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1066 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calycanthus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. U.S.A.

Description

Carolina-allspice, scientifically known as Calycanthus floridus, is a fascinating and aromatic plant native to the Eastern United States. This deciduous shrub belongs to the family Calycanthaceae and has captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike since it was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1759, as cited in “Systema Naturae” (10th edition, volume 2, page 1066).

One of the most enchanting features of the Carolina-allspice is its striking, dark reddish-brown flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. These blossoms emit a sweet, spicy fragrance reminiscent of strawberries or melons, making them a delightful addition to any garden. The scent of the flowers intensifies in the evening, further enhancing the sensory experience for those who encounter this plant.

The plant grows to a height and spread of about 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters), forming a dense, rounded shape. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, turning a vibrant yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. The bark of older stems is interesting as well, with a fragrant, aromatic quality that persists even after being cut or broken.

Carolina-allspice is not only appreciated for its ornamental value but also for its relatively low maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. This plant is also fairly drought-resistant once established, making it a resilient choice for various gardening environments.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Carolina-allspice has cultural and historical significance. Indigenous peoples and early settlers in the United States used the dried, aromatic bark as a seasoning and a natural insect repellent. Today, the plant continues to be valued for its beauty and versatility, providing a charming and fragrant addition to gardens, parks, and naturalized areas.

Common Names

Eng: carolina-allspice, eastern sweetshrub, spicebush, strawberry-shrub, sweetshrub
Swe: hårig kryddbuske
Nld: specerijstruik
En: Carolina-allspice, Sweetshrub, Strawberry-shrub, Spicebush, Carolina allspice, Cedar waxwing, Eastern sweetshrub, Bubby bush, Strawberry bush, Strawberry shrub, Sweet betsy bush
Ca: Calicant
Zh: 美国蜡梅
Cs: Sazaník květnatý
Da: Carolina-Kanelbusk
Nl: Specerijstruik
Fi: Kalukkipensas
Pl: Kielichowiec wonny
Ru: Каликант цветущий
Sr: Каликантус
Sv: Hårig kryddbuske, Kryddbuske

Synonyms

• Butneria florida ((L.) Kearney)
• Beureria florida ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 6, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2017 by Shay Dawkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Valérie L’Eplattenier (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by PACITTI ALFONSO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by doveyli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Aquaria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2010 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2010 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by jack cava (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034113)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:42922-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calycanthus floridus L.)

Specifications

Growth