In-Depth Description
Sweet Shrub, aka Carolina Allspice, is an erect to rounded deciduous native shrub found in the southeast (the Carolinas) growing in shady woodlands and along streambanks. Its common names are in reference to its showy fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry, and banana. The scientific name derives from the Greek words “kaylx” – (in English – ‘calyx’) and “anthos” (in English – ‘flowers’). Its dried bark is a cinnamon substitute and can be used like cinnamon sticks. Sweetshrub is adaptable to many soil, water, and light conditions. Flowers, leaves, twigs, and bark may be dried to use in potpourri. It is very resistant to disease and insect problems.
