Sweetshrub

Calycanthus floridus L.

Family: Calycanthaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

seeds

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

toxic alkaloids (calycanthin and related alkaloids per UF/IFAS)

Hazard route

ingestion (seeds)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page was found for this shrub. Both extensions say the seeds are a hazard if eaten (Clemson: poisonous only if eaten in large quantities; UF/IFAS: low toxic characteristics, seeds contain calycanthin and related alkaloids). Neither speaks to dogs or cats, so it is not assessed for pets. Keep pets from eating it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Calycanthus floridus, not on the common name.. Clemson lists "strawberry-bush" and "spicebush" as common names for this shrub. "Strawberry bush" is also a name for Euonymus americanus, and ASPCA lists Euonymus entries (Burning Bush, Spindle Tree, Wahoo) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. "Spicebush" is the standard common name of Lindera benzoin. Check by scientific name, Calycanthus floridus, before looking up toxicity.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4-9 per Clemson HGIC; USDA 4A-9A per UF/IFAS EDIS FP095 (agrees)
Light: Clemson: ideally dappled or part shade. UF/IFAS: grows well in full sun to part shade, and lists part shade and shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 6-12 ft tall and 6-12 ft wide per Clemson (shorter in full sun than in part shade); 6-9 ft tall and 6-12 ft spread per UF/IFAS
Where it comes from: East coast from Pennsylvania south to northern Florida and west to Mississippi (Clemson); native to Florida and considered endangered there (UF/IFAS).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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