wetland shrub
California sweetshrub
Calycanthus occidentalis
1 of 3Native to California
California Coast Ranges and western Sierra Nevadas from Tulare county to Shasta county
- Light Full sun to part shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones 6–10 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–Jul Flowering time
- Height 4–12 ft 1.2–3.7 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland shrub for full sun to part shade and evenly moist soil. Its red flowers peak in June. At 4–12 ft, it needs room in rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots. Hardy in USDA zones 6–10.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The California sweetshrub's red flowers bloom April to July, peaking in June. It's an early-summer display.
California sweetshrub blooms red, pink & brownFoliage
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- CaliforniaUnited States (1): CA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- California Coast Ranges and western Sierra Nevadas from Tulare county to Shasta countyThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sun to part shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6–10The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Moist soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to medium (sandy to loamy)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Mildly acid to mildly alkalineThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- 4–12 ft (1.2–3.7 m)Typical mature height.
- Spread
- ~10 ft (3 m)How wide one plant gets, a guide to spacing.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- ShrubWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Apr–JulWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Red, Pink, BrownThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Jan–NovThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.