Calycanthus occidentalis - Hook.&Arn.

Common Name

Californian Allspice, Western sweetshrub

Family

Calycanthaceae

USDA hardiness

6-9

Known Hazards

Calycanthus contains calycanthine, an alkaloid similar to strychnine, and it is toxic to humans and livestock[270].

Habitats

Banks of streams, ponds and other wet places below 1200 metres[11, 184].

Range

South-western N. America - California.

Edibility Rating

(3 of 5)

Other Uses

(2 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(1 of 5)

Care (info)


http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:Michael_w

http://www.flickr.com/people/12017190@N06

Translate this page:

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Calycanthus occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. macrophyllus.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The aromatic bark is dried and used as a substitute for cinnamon and all spice[11, 105]. Some caution is advised, see reports above on toxicity[270].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Expectorant Stomachic

The bark is expectorant[257]. A decoction of the fresh or dried bark has been used in the treatment of sore throats, severe colds and stomach disorders[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Basketry Dye

A light brown dye is obtained from the flowers[168]. The wood and the bark from fresh shoots has been used in basket making[257].

Special Uses

Food Forest Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a light loamy soil that is deep and moist but succeeds in most fertile soils if they are not shallow[11, 182]. Requires a well-drained soil[188]. Prefers a sunny position but it tolerates shade when grown in warm temperate zones[11, 200]. Requires a sheltered position, protected from cold winds[245]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. The leaves and the flowers are very aromatic according to one report[188], whilst another says that the leaves and wood are pleasantly aromatic, whilst the flowers have no scent[245]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. If the seed is harvested 'green' (as soon as it has fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately it can germinate in 3 weeks[113]. Dried seed germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[138]. Stored seed requires between 3 weeks and 3 months cold stratification before sowing in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. They can be difficult[113]. Layering in spring. Sever the new plants in a wet spell of weather about 15 months later and then lift them in the autumn[78]. High percentage[78]. Division of suckers in early spring[11]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Washington (west), California (north & central))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Calycanthus floridus	Carolina Allspice, Eastern sweetshrub, Strawberry Bush, Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice	Shrub	2.7	5-10	M	LM	SN	M	3	2	2
Calycanthus floridus glaucus	Eastern Sweetshrub	Shrub	3.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	2	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Support Plants For A Future

Plants For A Future relies on regular donations to keep our free database and search facilities going, to pay for ongoing research, improvements and enhancements, and to develop and publish new books. Read more

Choose Currency

Donate in £ GBP Donate in $ USD Donate in € EUR

Securely pay via PayPal or Credit/Debit Card without an account.

Expert comment

Author

Hook.&Arn.

Botanical References

11200270

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here