•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Summersweet typically grows as a deciduous shrub, reaching heights of about 3 to 8 feet tall, with a similar spread.
•Phenology: Deciduous shrub with fragrant white or pinkish-white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Mid to late summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of various soil types
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5)
•Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet soil; Summersweet is tolerant of periodic flooding and can thrive in boggy conditions
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, woodland gardens, rain gardens, naturalized areas, shrub borders
•Maintenance Tips: Low to moderate maintenance; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; mulch around the base to retain moisture
•Considerations: Summersweet is highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Summersweet is valued as an ornamental plant and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for fevers and stomach ailments.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Summersweet is often found growing alongside other native plants in moist habitats, including species such as Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) and Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
