Coastal Sweetpepperbush
Clethra alnifolia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Clethraceae
- Genus:
- Clethra
- Species:
- Clethra alnifolia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Canada: Nova Scotia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, rich, acidic loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in wetland areas and along stream banks.
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold stratified for 30 days. Cuttings are cut to 4 to 6" lengths with at least 2 nodes, having an angled cut on the bottom and a straight cut on the top and leaves are trimmed to approximately 50%. The bottom of the cuttings are dipped in Hormodin 1 (0.1% IBA) powder.
Establishment: Cuttings are collected from wild populations in Central New Jersey in June and early July from healthy plants. The cuttings are kept moist and placed inside a soft insulated bag used for field collections.
Source: npn.rngr.net