Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Clethraceae

Genus:

Clethra

Species:

Clethra acuminata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

20-40 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

White

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

good drainage preferred

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers organic matter-rich environments

Germination Information