| Virginia-willow, Virginia sweetspire
|
| Itea virginica
|
| Escalloniaceae
|
Landscape Uses:
|
|
Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also an accent shrub in wet areas. |
Ecological Restoration Notes: |
|
An occasional element in freshwater swamps and mesic hammocks. |
| Availability: |
|
Commonly available at native plant nurseries in northeast and central Florida. |
| Description: |
| |
Medium slender woody shrub. Leaves 2-5 inches long. Temperate deciduous. |
| Height: |
| |
Typically 3-8 feet in height; to about 10 feet in South Florida. Usually taller than broad. |
| Growth Rate: |
| |
Moderate. |
| Range: |
| |
Eastern and central United States west to Texas and south to Broward and Collier counties. Very rare in Broward County. |
| Habitats: |
| |
Swamps and mesic hammocks. |
| Soils: |
| |
Wet to moist, poorly-drained to moderately well-drained organic soils. |
| Nutritional Requirements: |
| |
High; requires rich organic soils for optimal growth. |
| Salt Water Tolerance: |
| |
Low; does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water. |
| Salt Wind Tolerance: |
| |
Low; salt wind may burn the leaves. |
| Drought Tolerance: |
| |
Low; requires moist to wet soils and is intolerant of long periods of drought. |
| Light Requirements: |
| |
Light shade to moderate shade, or sometimes full sun. |
| Flower Color: |
| |
White or pale pink. |
| Flower Characteristics: |
| |
Showy, in terminal spike-like racemes to 5 inches long. |
| Flowering Season: |
| |
Spring. |
| Fruit: |
| |
Inconspicuous capsule. |
| Wildlife and Ecology: |
| |
Provides some food and cover for wildlife. Attracts pollinating bees. |
| Horticultural Notes: |
| |
Can be grown from seed. |
| Comments: |
| |
This uncommon shrub is very attractive when in flower. It is not a true willow. See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Flower Friday page. |
|
|
|
|