Spice Bush is a deciduous shrub that grows along streams in the California foothills. The lance-shaped, pale green leaves are large and fragrant, reaching 6 inches or more in length. The single reddish-brown flowers have several narrow sepals and petals and are 1-2 inches in length; they are borne on the ends of the branches. The shrubs may reach 12 feet in height in their native habitat. The bowl-shaped seed pods are up to 1 ½ inches long and turn brown with age.

Spice Bush requires little care in the Northwest, being tolerant of both summer drought and sub-freezing winter temperatures. Although typically an understory plant in their native habitat, they are tolerant of sunny conditions and make a good hedge plant or an individual plant. The leaves turn a yellowish tone in autumn.

The spice bush family is very old, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. The name comes from the utilization of the bark as a substitute for cinnamon.

These bushes are grown from seed collected in central California. They are two years old. Size: Gallon
Family: Calycanthaceae
Scientific Name: Calycanthus occidentalis