Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

(sometimes listed in Iteaceae Family - Sweetspire Family)

▲ mature, flowering plant

▲ flowers

▲▼ red fall foliage color

▲▼ red fall foliage color

Location on campus:  in garden area east of Karls Hall; in planting bed west of Physical Plant

Itea virginica: Virginia Sweetspire

leaves deciduous or semi-evergreen, alternate, simple, lanceolate with tiny serrations on margin; 1.5-4" long and ½ as wide; leaves dark green, glabrous above, lighter below; bright red fall color that persists well

stems thin, green to reddish purple, glabrous; pith white, chambered

flowers small and white in terminal racemes in mid to late spring

grows 3-5' high and 10' or more in diameter; produces stem sprouts from base to increase lateral spread

prefers full sun to shade, moist, fertile soils; can tolerate wet soil to dry soils

medium to fast growth rate