Sweetshrub

Description:

While some sources say these flowers are not particularly showy, I find them very attractive. The blooms are always red - but I've seen dark purple-maroon to light orange-red, so there is a little variety. I have heard stories that early settlers to the Appalachians used the pleasant scent (some say the blooms smells like bubblegum) as a deodorant or perfume. The highly fragrant flowers are also edible.

Habitat:

Distribution USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , KY , LA , MA , MD , MS , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV Native Distribution: S.e. PA to s.e. KY, generally s. to FL Panhandle & LA Native Habitat: Wood openings & edges; stream banks; moist hillsides

Notes:

Spotted along the Bear Creek Trail Ellijay GA