(Itea virginica)
The Currant Family (Grossulariaceae)
Deciduous shrub, also known as Virginia Willow, with slender, arching, brown to gray branches and smooth, scaly bark. Alternate, dark green leaves turning brilliant red, orange and yellow in fall and early winter.
Habitat:
Wet, acidic soils; wooded stream banks; swamps; and low pine barrens.
Interesting Facts:
Flowers open gradually from base to tip.
Fruit:
Small capsules on a fruiting stalk are green, brown when mature, not showy, but winter persistent and a distinguishing identification feature.
Flower:
Appearing on the tips of the arching branches in late spring, the small, creamy white, fragrant flowers are arranged on a 4” drooping spire, similar to a slender bottlebrush.
Wildlife value:
Butterflies, bees and wasps attracted to flower nectar.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 1.00-3.50 inches
Tree height: 3.00-10.00 feet
Where to find Virginia Sweetspire on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WET - Wetland Trail 12.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.