Common Name: Carolina Allspice

General Information

Calycanthus floridus is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub with a suckering habit and forming colonies in the wild; it can grow 1.8 - 2.7 metres tall, occasionally reaching 3.5 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and food flavouring. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its aromatic flowers and foliage.

Known Hazards

Ruminants are reported to have a toxic reaction from grazing this plant[, ].
Calycanthus species contain calycanthine, an alkaloid similar to strychnine and, in large quantities, the plant is toxic to humans and livestock[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania and Connecticut, south to Missisippi and Florida

Habitat

Rich low shady woodlands[, ]. Deciduous or mixed woodlands, along streams and rivers, margins of woodlands; at elevations from sea level to1,850 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Calycanthus floridus is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of southeastern N. America. It is generally very hardy, with dormant plants able to tolerate temperatures falling to at least -20°c[], but the tender young growth in the spring can be damaged by late frosts[].
Prefers a light loamy soil that is deep and moist but succeeds in most fertile soils[, ]. Requires a well-drained soil[]. Prefers a sunny position but it tolerates shade when grown in warm temperate zones[, ]. Requires a sheltered position, protected from cold winds[].
All parts of the plant are richly fragrant[]. The flowers have a refreshing scent of ripe apples[]. The wood, leaves and roots smell strongly of camphor, whilst the bark smells like cinnamon[].
Prune immediately after flowering in order to shape the plant or maintain compactness[].
A very ornamental plant, there is at least one named variety developed for its ornamental value. 'Mrs Henry Type' is a large-flowered form[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

Antispasmodic, disinfectant[, ].
The plant contains an alkaloid that has a powerfully depressant action on the heart[]. A fluid extract has been used as an antiperiodic[].

A tea made from the root or bark has been used as a strong emetic and diuretic for kidney and bladder ailments[, ]. A cold tea has been used as eye drops in the treatment of failing eyesight[, ].
An ooze from the bark has been used to treat children's sores, whilst an infusion has been used to treat hives[].

Other Uses

Leaves contain small quantities of camphor. They can be used as an insect repellent, perfume and disinfectant[, ].

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[]. Dried seed germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[]. 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[].
Layering in spring. Sever the new plants in a wet spell of weather about 15 months later and then lift them in the autumn[]. High percentage[].
Division of suckers in early spring[]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.