Mountain Pepperbush

Description

Scientific Name: Clethra acuminata
Common Names: Cinnamon Clethra, Cinnamonbark Clethra, Mountain Pepperbush
Plant Type: Small deciduous tree; sometimes shrublike.
Height: 12-36 feet.
Native Habitat: Mountainous areas in understory or openings near streams.
Native Range: Found mainly in the southern mountains.
Conservation Status: NatureServe lists Clethra acuminata as Critically Imperiled in Alabama and Pennsylvania. The species is officially classified as Endangered by Pennsylvania.
Cultivation: Give this plant moist humus-rich acid soil with good drainage, and water during droughts, especially when young. Fertilize lightly or not at all. It can tolerate shade, but will grow faster and bloom better in a sunny location. The tiny seeds should be sown under glass in spring.
Related Species: Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a similar but smaller and shrubbier eastern native. Other clethras are found in Asia.
Bloom Time: June, July, August.

Cinnamon Clethra is a small deciduous tree native to the southern Appalachian region. It's common name comes from the beautiful color of cinnamon bark, which is, of course, replace the outer layers as revealed. In fact, the color varies somewhat, from gold to pink and red ocher variations of the same plant can create a mottled pattern. The effect is particularly evident in winter.

The tree is also called Cinnamonbark Clethra. Another common name, Mountain Pepperbush, comes from its spicy-tasting seeds, used the early settlers as a substitute for black pepper. The flowers, long spikes of small white bells appear in early summer when few other plants bloom. The individual flowers open sequentially from the base to the top of the tower and are a good source of nectar for butterflies. The rich green leaves are oval-shaped with a tip and turn golden or yellow in autumn before dropping. The tiny seeds are to germinate best when they fall on mossy ground. This plant sometimes tempted to grow as a shrub, but can be cut in general to a tree form. This is generally preferred because it accentuates the effect of the beautiful bark. Also in tree form, the plant rarely grows more than 20 meters high and is therefore an excellent choice for small properties. Because it is a sub-type timber, it can survive in fairly heavy shade, but it will bloom much better if it receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight.

Clethra acuminata is found in small scattered populations from southern Pennsylvania to northern Alabama. The national co-champions, both grow about 30 feet high, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wild plants are usually found in damp areas, but cultivated specimens can be adapted to dry habitats. This is a very attractive landscape plant.

Uses

The seeds have a spicy taste that can be used as a substitute for black pepper. That's why this plant got the name Mountain Pepperbush.