The late-summer flowers of this fragrant shrub illuminate shadier areas and supply high-quality nectar and pollen to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The glossy, highly textured, dark green leaves are the perfect foil for the bottlebrush-like spikes of white flowers. The foliage turns yellow in fall, and round seed pods decorate the shrub in winter and provide treats for birds. Summersweet grows 5 to 8 feet tall and, unless pruned in late winter, gradually spreads by suckering to form small colonies that can help decrease soil erosion. It prefers moist to wet, acidic soils, including sandy and loamy, and adapts to clay with average moisture. Once established, it tolerates short periods of drought and flooding. Although it thrives in partial sunlight, this versatile plant grows reliably in sun or shade. Full shade tends to produce a less dense shrub with fewer flowers. 
 
This shrub is often grown as a specimen or in groupings as a border. Use in pollinator, native, or butterfly gardens. Plant along stream banks or ponds to help control erosion.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 5-8' tall and 4-6' wide.
 
Prefers part shade but tolerates full sun and full shade. Will be less dense and produce fewer flowers in full shade.
 
Prefers moist to wet, acidic sandy or loamy soils. Adapts to soils, including clay, with average moisture. Tolerates short period of drought once established, but will not grow in hot, dry sites.
 
Blooms June-August with cylindrical spikes 2-6” long composed of numerous small, white flowers. Spikes are often clustered together at branch ends. Dry, 3-valved, 1/8” capsules ripen September-October and persist for a year or more.
 
Alternate leaves have finely toothed margins and strong pinnate venation.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant to at least 11 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including hummingbird clearwing moth.
 
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