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summer sweet
Clethra alnifolia
In the United States:
Native
· also called sweet pepperbush, coastal sweetpepperbush
Honeybees visit summersweet for its abundant, fragrant nectar, making it a key late-summer honey flow contributor in suitable climates. Peak bloom aligns with midsummer heat, with spikes of flowers providing consistent forage for 4-6 weeks. The shrub prefers moist, acidic soils and offers good deer resistance, though it may sucker and require occasional pruning to manage spread.
| Nectar | high |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | July–August |
| Duration | ~5 weeks |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | partial |