How to identify Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)

How to identify Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Virginia sweetspire, also known as Virginia willow

Virginia sweetspire boasts a display of delicate, fragrant white flowers arranged on showy racemes that can reach lengths of 2-6 inches (5-15 cm). The flowers make their appearance in early summertime, presenting a striking contrast against the backdrop of the plant's elongated leaves, which measure about 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) in length and feature finely serrated edges. The leaves are borne on hairy petioles, which have a distinct groove running along the upper side. The stems manifest a range of colors from green to a reddish-purple hue, especially on the side exposed to the sun, and bear crescent-shaped leaf scars. Short, reddish-green side branches display imbricate, superposed buds. In the fall, foliage may transition to lush tones of red to purple, extending the plant's visual interest well into the winter season.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Virginia sweetspire

Delicate, fragrant white flowers on 2-6 inch (5-15 cm) racemes in early summer.

Elongated leaves with finely serrated edges, 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) long.

Stems display green to reddish-purple color, crescent-shaped leaf scars, and imbricate buds.

Woody capsules with soft hairs, around 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) long, ornamental in arrangement.

Leaves are elliptical, dark green, with acute apex and cuneate base, turning red in autumn.

Detailed Traits of Virginia sweetspire

Leaf Features

The leaves of virginia sweetspire are elliptical, alternate, and simple, measuring 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) long and 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm) wide. They exhibit a dark green color, turning shades of red, orange, and gold in autumn. The leaves have an acute apex, cuneate base, and finely serrated margins. The upper surface is glabrous, while the underside can be slightly pubescent. The petiole is pubescent, up to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long, with a groove on the upper side.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of virginia sweetspire appear in 3-6 inch (7.6-15.2 cm) long racemes from May to June. These tiny, showy, white blossoms open from the base to the tip of the raceme and emit a light fragrance. Arranged on the previous season's growth, the flowers create a stunning display with their refined beauty.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Virginia sweetspire features stems of medium thickness, displaying a green to reddish-purple hue on the sun-exposed side. The stems are glabrous, providing a smooth texture, and bear crescent-shaped leaf scars. Buds are superposed and imbricate, exhibiting a reddish-green coloration on short branches, aiding in easy identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of virginia sweetspire presents as woody capsules, subtly ornamental within their raceme arrangements. These fruits are slim and covered with soft hairs, termed pubescent, containing minuscule seeds within. Measuring approximately 1/3 inch (around 0.85 cm) in length, the fruits manifest a showy character during the autumn months, specifically from August through October. Their persistent nature allows them to remain attached well into the subsequent year, offering a lasting visual interest in the landscape.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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