Itea virginica - Virginia Sweetspire

Morphology/Growth Habits: Itea virginica is a low-growing shrub with arching branches. White, fragrant flowers arranged in bottlebrush-like clusters bloom in late spring and last several weeks. In the fall, this shrub’s green leaves turn a stunning deep red/burgundy color. By winter these deciduous leaves fall to the ground, showing off the shrub’s red stems through the colder months. Spreads by seed and suckers. 

Height: 3-5 ft.

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Medium-Wet

Bloom color: White

Bloom time: June-July

Habitat/Best Environments: Typically grows in riverbanks, swamps, and pine barrens. Tolerates a range of soil and light conditions but prefers moist, acidic soils and full sun. Tolerates drought, fire, and temporary flooding. Suckers make this plant great for erosion control. 

Ecological relationships: Fragrant flowers attract many pollinators in the summer, including butterflies. Seeds are eaten by birds.