Coastal sweetpepperbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coastal sweetpepperbush |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Clethra
|
| Species: |
alnifolia
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Coastal Sweetpepperbush, also known as Summersweet, is a cool flowering plant. Its scientific name is Clethra alnifolia. It belongs to the Clethra group within the Clethraceae plant family. This plant naturally grows in eastern North America. You can find it from Nova Scotia and Maine all the way down to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas.
Contents
What Does the Summersweet Plant Look Like?
The Summersweet is a deciduous shrub. This means it's a woody plant that loses its leaves every autumn. It usually grows to be about 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) tall.
Leaves and Flowers of Summersweet
The leaves of the Summersweet are shaped like an oval, wider at the top. They are about 4 to 10 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) long and 2 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) wide. Their edges are like a saw, with small teeth. In spring and summer, they are green. When autumn comes, they turn a beautiful yellow-gold color.
The flowers are white or a very light pink. Each flower is small, about 5 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) across. They have a sweet, strong smell that many bumblebees love. The flowers grow in long clusters called racemes. These clusters can be up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. They bloom in late summer.
Why is it Called "Sweetpepperbush"?
The "pepper" part of its name comes from its fruits. After the flowers fade, small, round capsules appear. These capsules look a bit like peppercorns, but they are not spicy at all!
Where Does Summersweet Grow Naturally?
This plant loves wet places. You can find it in wet forests and areas called pine flatwoods. It also grows in wetlands and bogs. Sometimes, you'll see it growing along the sides of woodland streams. It prefers soil that is neutral or a bit acidic.
Endangered Summersweet in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, Canada, there are not many Summersweet plants left. Because of this, the population there is considered endangered.
What Does the Name Alnifolia Mean?
The scientific name alnifolia comes from Latin. It means "with leaves like alder." The alder is another type of tree. This is why Summersweet is sometimes called "common white alder." But don't be confused! Even though their leaves look similar, the Summersweet and the alder are not closely related plants.
How is Summersweet Used in Gardens?
C. alnifolia is often planted in natural gardens. It's also useful for planting near streams or ponds. Its roots help hold the soil in place, which stops the land from washing away (erosion).
Special Types of Summersweet for Gardens
Some special types of Summersweet have been created for gardens. These are called cultivars. One popular type is 'September Beauty'. Another one is 'Ruby Spice', which has bright pink flowers. There's also a tiny version called 'Hummingbird'. Both 'Ruby Spice' and 'Hummingbird' have won an important award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means they are excellent plants for gardens.
