Common Name: Californian Allspice

General Information

Calycanthus occidentalis is a loose-habited, deciduous shrub with a suckering habit and forming colonies in the wild; it can grow up to 4 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a food flavouring. It is grown as an ornamental, valued for its aromatic foliage and flowers.

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

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Range

Western N. America - Washington, northern and central California.

Habitat

Banks of streams, ponds and other wet places below 1200 metres[, ]. Along streams and on moist canyon slopes; at elevations from 200 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects

Cultivation Details

Calycanthus occidentalis can tolerate winter temperatures down to about -15°c[].
Prefers a light loamy soil that is deep and moist but succeeds in most fertile soils if they are not shallow[, ]. 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[].
The leaves and the flowers are very aromatic according to one report[], whilst another says that the leaves and wood are pleasantly aromatic, whilst the flowers have no scent[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

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

Other Uses

A light brown dye is obtained from the flowers[].

The wood and the bark from fresh shoots has been used in basket making[].

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.