Cyrilla racemiflora

Evergreen shrub (at least in the southern part of its range) that is beautiful in form, foliage, and flower. The overall appearance is somewhat similar to the Summersweet (Clethera alnifolia), but the leaves are glossy, the flowers grow from horizontal whorls and droop, and the habit is more airy and open. A superior native plant that grows 8' in ten years and matures at 10-15' tall in cultivation. Awards: Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Recommended by: Garden Clubs of America.

A native of Louisiana's wet soils, this mainly deciduous shrub produces 6" long drooping clusters of creamy-white flowers from May to June. The flowers are held against glossy dark green willow-like foliage. Provides red, orange, and yellow fall color. Although it is commonly found growing in poorly drained soils, it will do well in average garden soils. Considered to be an under utilized native shrub as it is very easy to grow with no plant pests. A good source of nectar for native bees, although it is reported that large stands may cause Purple Brood in the European Honeybee (Thank you Jen for bringing this to our attention:). More can be learned from the University of Florida and the University of Georgia's extension offices on the use of Cyrilla as a bee plant.