CALYCANTHUS. Spice bush. China and both eastern and western U.S. These are unusual shrubs, reminiscent of magnolias, which often form broad thickets. They have attractive smooth, brown to greyish bark. The leaves are large and almost tropical-looking, broadly pointed oval in outline and bright to deep green in color. In fall they take on vivid golden hues. They also have a wonderfully spicy fragrance when crushed. In summer the plants bear many 2-3" many-petalled blossoms, resembling those of Magnolia stellata in form, which give off various spicy fragrances. Interesting urn-shaped seed capsules are held on the branches through the winter months. These shrubs are attractive as individual specimens, and large and dense enough to make effective screens. They thrive in sun or part shade, in most non-alkaline soils, with moderate to regular watering. Their hardiness varies, though all will take the worst winters most of lowland California has to offer.
floridus. Carolina allspice. Southeastern U.S. Plants of this species grow generally erect, as much as 10' high. They are similar in appearance to those of C. occidentalis, though the leaves are on average a little smaller. The flowers are similarly brownish red in color, but they have a sweeter, fruitier fragrance, often likened to that of strawberries. Our current offering is a compact selection, more spreading in habit than usual, with lime-green flowers. Hardy to 0oF or less.
occidentalis. Western spice bush. California. This delightful shrub is often encountered along streamsides in northern California. It is of highly variable size, mostly around 8' in the stock from which our seed was collected, and rounded in form. The twigs are dark brown at first, becoming greyish in age.The broad leaves are up to 6" long and bright green in color, with a softly shiny upper surface. The flowers are brownish red in color and have an odd fragrance something like an old wine barrel (some descriptions are less complimentary). Hardy to 10oF or less.