Shrubs - Carolina Allspice, Sweet Shrub, Sweet Betsy
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  (May) Why is there no mention of a shrub, Calycanthus floridus, in any of the tree and shrub identification books? Not in my forty year old dendrology book on trees and shrubs of the southeastern states and not in Carl Hunter's guide to trees and shrubs in Arkansas. I would think this plant is just as deserving as some of the other exotics or those native to other states. The common names include sweet Betsey, sweet shrub, and Carolina allspice. I know of one plant in Arkadelphia located at a home just west of town. The lady did not know where she got it. On our property northwest of Tupelo, Mississippi I discovered a small area of these plants. I know of other plants around homes in Mississippi just across the border below Memphis. My brother has one or more growing at his home in Corinth, Mississippi, and I do not believe he planted them. So what is with this Carolina allspice?

  Carolina allspice, Calycanthus floridus is a fabulous old plant which is native from Virginia to Florida. Common names abound as you noted. This plant thrives in the shade garden, and grows with little care. It propagates readily from cuttings or layering. The plants bloom in late spring with a wonderful spicy fragrance. While the reddish brown flowers are most common, there is a yellow flowered form called 'Athens'. After that, they are simply a nice green bush. There is no interesting fall foliage, but there also are no pest problems. It is sold occasionally at area nurseries, but is often referred to as a pass-along plant. Another interesting plant to try is the Chinese Sweetshrub -Sinocalycanthus chinensis. It is in bloom in my garden now, and has a beautiful white flower-unfortunately with no fragrance.

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