Clethra acuminata (sweet pepperbush)

Clethra acuminata (sweet pepperbush). . , Family: Clethraceae (White Alder Family), Distribution: Sweet pepperbush can be found in the eastern United States, north through Pennsylvania, and south through Alabama and Georgia. In West Virginia, it is found in only a few counties., Size: 12-20 ft. tall, Habitat/Description: This plant can be a shrub or small tree with red-brown bark. It can be found growing in wooded mountain bluffs, ravines, and rocky river banks. In West Virginia, it is most commonly found in New-Kanawha and Cheat drainages. It prefers acidic, rocky soils exposed to partial shade. Dense, white, and spicily smelling flowers bloom June-August. The spicy aroma from the flowers attracts bumble bees, which aid in pollination. Its dark green leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn. Sweet pepperbush is not particularly susceptible to insect problems, but it does encounter occasional sucking insects. It is also very disease resistant. This is a native, non-invasive species., Ethnobotanical Uses: The stalks of sweet pepperbush have been used as a soap substitute. Some native tribes used the inner bark to make a drink that induced vomiting. The Cherokee combined sweet pepperbush and black cherry bark to break high fevers. The Cherokee also used a hot infusion of the bark to treat intestinal problems.