Western Spice Bush 8 Seeds Calycanthus occidentalis USA Company

alycanthus occidentalis, commonly known as the California spice bush, Western spice bush or western sweetshrub, is a species of flowering plant native to the western United States. It's part of the Calycanthaceae family. This plant is known for its unique, fragrant flowers that can resemble a mix of spicy and fruity scents, hence the common name. The flowers are usually reddish-brown and appear in the spring.

The Western Spicebush typically grows in shrubby form, reaching heights of around 6 to 10 feet. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it thrives in loamy soils. It's often used in landscaping for its attractive flowers and pleasant scent. Additionally, it's valued for its resilience and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Calycanthus occidentalis, or Western Spicebush, is a deciduous shrub with several distinct characteristics:

Size and Shape: It generally grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and has a rounded, spreading form. It can be somewhat multi-stemmed and has a bushy appearance.

Leaves: The leaves are ovate to elliptical, typically 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long, and have a glossy, dark green surface. They are arranged alternately along the stems and have a pleasant aroma when crushed.

Flowers: One of the most distinctive features of Calycanthus occidentalis is its flowers. They are generally reddish-brown to maroon and have a unique, spicy fragrance. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) across and are composed of numerous, petal-like sepals that give them a somewhat fringed appearance. They bloom in late spring to early summer.

Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces a fruit that is a woody, cone-like capsule containing several seeds. The fruit is not particularly showy but adds some interest to the plant structure.

Bark: The bark is typically brown and somewhat rough, providing textural interest to the shrub.

Growth Habit: It has a relatively dense growth habit and can be used for screening or as a background plant in landscapes.

Habitat and Soil: Western Spicebush prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. It is often found in open woodlands, slopes, or foothills in its native range.

Sunlight and Water: It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers regular watering, though it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Growing Instructions for the Western Spice Bush

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months. 3. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the container and leave it to drain. 6. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 7. Water the seeds and keep the soil moist but not wet. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.