Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Cinnamon Clethra, Mountain Pepperbush
Cinnamon Clethra, Mountain PepperbushClethra acuminataFull to part sun; medium to moderately dry moisture level; requires rocky soil; acidic pH.8-15 feet height by 4-8 feet spread; blooms in summer; white flowers; fruits are brown capsules.Growth Rate: Slow to mediumMaintenance: No serious disease or insect problems. Often suckers.Native Region: Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley and Cumberland Plateau provincesThis shrub’s most striking feature is its reddish brown, exfoliating bark which can be seen from a distance. Flowers do not have the “wow factor” of C. alnifolia and have only a trace of the spicy perfume of C. alnifolia. Becomes almost a small tree with age and looks best with an underplanting of woodland ferns and wildflowers. Although will grow in full sun, does best in part shade. Attracts bees.shrub;sun;medium;rocky |