Virginia sweetspire

Itea virginica L.

Family: IteaceaeZones: 5a 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: the NC State page makes no pet or human poison statement and has no poison severity line for this plant. That silence is not an all clear.

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 5a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun for best flowering, but it tolerates part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 4 to 8 ft tall and 3 to 6 ft wide (1.2 to 2.4 m tall, 0.9 to 1.8 m wide). Varieties are smaller or similar: Henry's Garnet 4 to 6 ft tall and wide, Little Henry 3 to 5 ft tall, Shirleys Compact 18 in tall and 3 ft wide.
Where it comes from: NC State: southeastern United States, from New Jersey to Florida and west to Missouri, Louisiana and East Texas, in moist woods, swamps, wet pine barrens and stream banks.

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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