Calycanthus floridius (Calycanthaceae) Carolina spice bush

This unique, shrub is native to the southeastern US to the Mississippi River, but is hardy to zone 4. It has large oval shaped leaves and unique, sweet smelling, maroon colored flowers from May through June. The leaves turn a clear yellow in the fall. The seed pods persist into the winter creating season long interest. In its native habitat it grows in the understory in rich soil and along stream banks, but is more attractive when given full sun where it will create a more attractive shrub shape. It can grow quite large to 6 ft tall and 4 ft wide. The plant has a unique smell and the bark was once used by early colonists as a cinnamon substitute.