Clethra alnifolia
Sweet pepper-bus fruits in winter.
Clethra alnifolia
SWEET PEPPER-BUSH
Clethraceae
E. North America
Location: map coordinates S-9 (southwest corner of Ag Annex Building, southeast side of Ag Annex rain garden),
N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'46''
Planting history: planted with Ag Annex, Human Ecology building, ca 2009.
Description:
Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)
SWEET PEPPER-BUSH
Clethraceae
E. North America
Location: map coordinates S-9 (southwest corner of Ag Annex Building, southeast side of Ag Annex rain garden),
N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'46''
Planting history: planted with Ag Annex, Human Ecology building, ca 2009.
Description:
- deciduous shrub
- etymology: Clethra from Greek klethra (alder); alnifolia = alder-leaved
- leaves toothed towards the apex, but untoothed below the middle; resemble alder leaves, hence the specific epithet “alnifolia”
- flowers white, small, in terminal clusters (racemes); sweetly-scented, hence the “sweet” in the common name; “pepper-bush” may refer to the dry fruits which somewhat resemble peppercorns (although there is no botanical relationship)
- natural habitat wet soils; but tolerates a broader range of moisture and light conditions
Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)
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