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Spice Bush

Calycanthus Occidentalis

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Overview

Calycanthus occidentalis, commonly known as Spice Bush, is a deciduous shrub native to western North America. It features aromatic, maroon to reddish-brown flowers in late spring and summer, framed by glossy green leaves. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, it reaches up to 9 feet in height and spreads to 12 feet. Adds fragrant, natural charm and understory structure to landscapes.

Sun Half, ShadeWater LowZones 7–10Type ShrubClimate Temperate
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — Its dense foliage lends itself well to creating secluded garden nooks or as a natural, fragrant screen; red, image 143

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Calycanthaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (228)

Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — shrub for half or shade
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — apple-like scent.<br><br>The Spice Bush prefers a position in full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, image 88
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — it reaches up to 9 feet in height and spreads to 12 feet; shrub for half or shade, image 204
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — It is relatively adaptable, however, tolerating a range of soil types; affording flexibility in maintaining, image 189
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — affording flexibility in maintaining the desired shape and size
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — Thriving in full sun to partial shade and moist; its dense foliage lends itself well to creating secluded, image 53
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — red flowers in the garden; particularly the western United States, image 173
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — commonly known as the Spice Bush; it is relatively adaptable, however, tolerating a range of soil types, image 106
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — affording flexibility in maintaining the desired shape and size; typically about 2 to 3 inches across, image 170
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — particularly the western United States
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — Remember that this shrub's growth habit supports pruning
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — with minimal care required once established.<br><br>When designing a landscape; it renders a robust, image 117
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — affording flexibility in maintaining the desired shape and size; typically about 2 to 3 inches across, image 145
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — Each leaf ranges from 2 to 6 inches long, exuding a delightful spicy fragrance when crushed; with minimal, image 85
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — It is relatively adaptable, however, tolerating a range of soil types; affording flexibility in maintaining, image 164
Spice Bush (Calycanthus Occidentalis) — apple-like scent.<br><br>The Spice Bush prefers a position in full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, image 38
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Calycanthus Occidentalis
Photographs by 6 contributors

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