Sweetspires
What are they?
There is just a single species in the genus Itea in North America, all other species being found in Eastern Asia. Their relationships with other plants remain unclear, with taxonomists variously placing them in the Saxifragaceae (saxifrages), the Grossulariaceae (currants & gooseberries) or in their own family, the Iteaceae.
Where are they found?
Virginia Sweetspire is an uncommon shrub of wet woodland, especially White-cedar bogs in a few, untouched locations.
Identification
The spires of white flowers somewhat resemble those of Sweet Pepperbush, but the leaves are diferent between the two species and sweetspire flowers earlier in the year.
Virginia Sweetspire Itea virginica
A scarce understorey shrub, typically found in wet woodland, especially white-cedar bogs. Flowers June to July. Flowers are carried in horizontal spikes (those of Sweet Pepperbush are usually more upright and open later in the year). Empty seed capsules often remain on the bush through winter.
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