Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Clethraceae

Genus:

Clethra

Species:

Clethra acuminata

USDA Symbol:

CLAC3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fall Color:

yellow

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI