Calycanthus occidentalis, or western spice bush, is a large deciduous shrub native to lower elevations of the Coast Range, Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades. Reaching 10- to 12-feet tall and wide, it makes an excellent specimen plant or can be limbed up into a small multitrunked tree.
Large leathery leaves have a spicy scent when crushed and turn golden yellow in the fall. Fragrant maroon red flowers, reminiscent of lotus flowers, magnolia blossoms or water lilies, appear in late spring through summer. The distinctive flowers are actually whorls of structures called tepals, or undifferentiated petals and sepals.
Blooms are followed by large fruit capsules that remain through the winter. Spice bush is not fussy about soil type or pH. Naturally found in moist canyons and along streams, this one will look best with regular water. Leaves may burn if it gets too dry. Will take full sun near the coast, but in our area it's best in partial or dappled shade. Prune immediately after flowering to shape and control growth. No known disease or pest issues. Calycanthus occidentalis is yet another UC Davis Arboretum AllStar.
