Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica

Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica

Benefits: Pollinator Benefit Graphic
Sun Shade: Plant Light Requirements Graphic
Bloom Time: Summer
Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Conditions: Clay, Loam
Soil Moisture: Medium, Moist, Wet
Color: White
Fragrance: Yes
Height: 3-5 feet
Spacing: 3-5 feet

 Description
Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica, is an erect, rounded, broad-spreading, deciduous shrub with arching branches. Typically grows 3-4 feet tall with a similar spread. Features fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in cylindrical, drooping racemes which cover the shrub with bloom in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green leaves (1-4" long) turn varying shades of red, orange and gold in autumn. Long period of fall color, with leaves often persisting on the plants until early winter.

The root system is woody and develops underground runners, forming clonal offsets. The leaves are deciduous in Illinois, becoming bright red during the autumn.

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

 Plant Notes and Herbal Uses
  Can form dense colonies by root suckering if left unchecked.
  Mass for a shrubby ground cover effect.
  Naturalizes well in wild or informal areas.
  A good selection for wet locations such as low spots or pond/stream margins.
 Further Information

 Wisconsin Fruit Trees
 Wisconsin Edible Berry Shrubs
 Widsconsin Edible Plants-Eat On The Wild Side
 8 Dandelion Recipes
 Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries

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