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Clethra alnifolia L.

Family: ClethraceaeZones: 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

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

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 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Part shade is best; full sun works if the soil stays moist.
Water needs: high
Mature size: NC State: 5 to 10 ft tall (1.5 to 3 m) and 4 to 6 ft wide (1.2 to 1.8 m). Clemson: typically 4 to 8 ft tall in one place and 5 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide in another. Varieties are often smaller, for example NC State gives 'White Doves' as 2 to 3 ft tall.
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern North America, Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, in swamps, damp thickets and sandy woods. Clemson: native species.

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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