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Chinese sweetspire

How to identify Chinese sweetspire (Itea chinensis)

Chinese sweetspire

Chinese sweetspire is distinguished by its multiple, low-arching branches, creating a semi-evergreen shrub that grows between 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) in height and spreads to about 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. This plant is known for thriving in both wet conditions and various light exposures, from full sun to partial shade. The defining feature is its pendulous, white flowers that bloom in spring, forming draping racemes that provide a distinct display against the foliage.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese sweetspire

1

Pendulous, white flowers in spring form distinct draping racemes.

2

Glossy leaves are dark green, ovate to lanceolate, with serrated margins.

3

Individual tubular flowers are bell-shaped, about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide.

4

Smooth, glabrous bark in light gray to brownish hues with slender trunk.

5

Leaves measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length, smooth and slightly leathery.

Detailed Traits of Chinese sweetspire

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese sweetspire are glossy and exhibit a dark green coloration. They are typically ovate to lanceolate in shape and measure between 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. The texture is smooth and slightly leathery to the touch, showcasing a lustrous surface. The leaf margins are finely serrated, adding to its distinctive appearance. Prominent veins run parallel along the length of each leaf, culminating in a pointed tip, an identifying feature for plant enthusiasts.

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Flower Features

Chinese sweetspire features slender, pendulous racemes of small, creamy-white flowers. Each individual flower is tubular and measures about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The petals are fused at the base, forming a bell-like appearance. These flowers emit a subtle, sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the cascading clusters can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, creating a striking visual effect as they dangle gracefully from the branches.

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Key Facts About Chinese sweetspire

Attributes of Chinese sweetspire
Plant Height
1.8 m to 3 m
Spread
90 cm to 1.8 m
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Chinese sweetspire

Species
Chinese sweetspire (Itea chinensis)
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Distribution Map of Chinese sweetspire

Chinese sweetspire is a plant that originates from regions of Eastern and Southeastern Asia. Its natural distribution extends across temperate and subtropical areas of this broad geographic zone. Introduced ranges are not specified, suggesting that chinese sweetspire may be less commonly cultivated or naturalized outside its native habitat, or such information might be undocumented in the provided data.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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