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Itea virginica
Native, small, deciduous shrub (semi-evergreen in south Florida) with a somewhat vine-like growth habit, with slender arching stems. Maximum height: about 6 feet (usually 3-4 feet, rarely 7-12 feet).
Range is throughout northern Florida southward to the lower peninsula. Eastern United States north to New Jersey and West to Louisiana.Common in floodplain forests, swamps, wet hammocks, along stream banks and calcareous hammocks. This one was observed in an open area around constructed ponds at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center near Jackson (Aiken County), SC.
Flowers attract butterflies and seeds eaten by birds. Useful as an ornamental accent or mass planting in both wet and rich or drier sites. It will easily spread by underground runners and new plants transplant easily. Showy flowering in late spring to early summer and attractive fall/ winter color.
Spotted on May 10, 2013
Submitted on May 13, 2013
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