Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)

Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Height, Spread: 4-8 ft, 3-6 ft

Water/Soil: Moist-wet, high organic matter, slightly acidic

Light: Dappled sun-part shade

Bloom: Spring-summer, White fragrant racemes 

Native Range: SE USA: NJ & PA south to FL & Eastern TX

Qualities: Attractive to pollinators, Wildlife resource, NC Native

Notes: Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub is commonly found on forest stream banks and other wetland areas statewide in NC. Its fragrant white flowers are attractive to pollinators, and birds eat the seeds. Great for streambank restoration as it controls erosion. Best used alongside a creek or in a shady moist spot as a statement piece.