Clethra alnifolia

Common Name
Coastal white-alder
Sweet pepperbush
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
10.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Izabella Farr
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

It may grow to 5 to 10 feet. and often spreads into mounded clumps. It is often found in swamps, damp thickets, and sandy woods.

Wildlife value: The flowers produce high quality nectar and pollen that supports hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. The shrub produces a brown, dry capsule that matures in the fall and provides seed to birds during the winter. Sweet Pepperbush is unique among flowering shrubs because it blooms in shady locations in late summer when few other shrubs are in bloom.

Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees
 

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Late Summer
Bloom Month
June
July
August
Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Tolerates
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
9 3 Gallon

4 more available May 2025

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