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Clethra acuminata

Also Known As

Cinnamon-bark Clethra
Mountain Clethra
Mountain Pepperbush
Mountain Sweet Pepperbush
Mountain White-alder

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 8'-20'
W: 6'-15'

planting zones

5a-8b

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Clethra acuminata plant details

Clethra acuminata is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra acuminata

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: clethraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 15 FT - wide, 8 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: colonizing, fall color, peeling bark, understory

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra acuminata

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From the woods and riverbanks of the Appalachians, this native is larger in every way than C. alnifolia; its late summer-fall flower clusters are pretty as well as fragrant and its bark exfoliates to a polished brown. PSh-Sh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Native in the Appalachians, this is a plant of the future due to its small stature (typically under 20 ft.), attractive white flowers, peeling bark, adaptability to dry sites, and shade tolerance.

By: Heritage Seedlings

A endangered, small deciduous native tree found in the Appalachian region. It's Common Name comes from the cinnamon color of the inner bark which is revealed as the outer layers peal away, an effect especially noticeable in winter. Long white spires of bell shaped flowers, resembling Lily of the Valley, appear in early summer when few other trees or shrubs are in bloom, opening sequentially from base to tip and are a good source of Butterfly Nectar. Often needs some pruning to maintain a tree form as opposed to a large shrub form.