Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)

Clethra alnifolia is a coastal wetland shrub native to the eastern United States commonly referred to as summersweet or sweet pepperbush. Flowers bloom through the summer months and are attractive to pollinators of all kinds, but especially butterflies and hummingbirds.

Since most are multi-stemmed, it is important to choose a large enough planting location, but this displays beautifully when planted in mass, when mixed into perennial borders, or when used in rain gardens or wetland restoration projects. Naturally found in coastal wetland areas or floodplains, Clethra alnifolia grows best in wetter areas with acidic, sandy soils and full sun exposure, but is not at all picky, and will tolerate drier soils as well as perpetually wet clay soils, and even those with some salt content.