Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata)

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Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata)

This large shrub is common in the understory of rich woods in the Mountains of North Carolina. It is endemic to the southern Appalachians.

Haywood Co., NC 5/10/08.

Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata)

The leaves are long-pointed (acuminate) and flowers lack the spicily sweet fragrance of Coastal Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia).

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata)

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata)

The racemes of white flowers open in mid-late July.

Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.

Remnants of infructescences.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

The broad leaves are large, about the size of your hand.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata) bark

The reddish bark peels off in thin sheets, which gives it another common name, Cinnamonbark Clethra.

Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.

Mountain Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra acuminata) bark

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

More information:
NC State
Tree Trail

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Revised 6/5/08 cwcook@duke.edu

All photographs and text ©2008 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.