California spicebush

plant

Also known as: California allspice, Calycanthus occidentalis

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The California spicebush, also known as California calycanth or California strawberry shrub, is a plant native to northern California. It belongs to the genus Calycanthus, which includes ornamental trees known for their aromatic bark and sweet-scented flowers.123

This shrub, specifically Calycanthus occidentalis, features opposite, simple leaves and brownish-maroon to red flowers that resemble magnolias. Its unique pollination mechanism involves beetles, which are guided into the flower and then trapped, facilitating pollen transfer. The plant's fruiting body is pear-shaped and contains many single-seeded achenes.3

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sweet shrub
…allspice or California spicebush (C. occidentalis), is from northern California and has dark reddish brown flowers. Chinese sweet shrub was formerly included in the genus but is now listed as Sinocalycanthus chinensis by most authorities.
Read More
…allspice or California spicebush (C. occidentalis), is from northern California and has dark reddish brown flowers. Chinese sweet shrub was formerly included in the genus but is now listed as Sinocalycanthus chinensis by most authorities.
Read More