Practical
Plants

Calycanthus occidentalis

Californian Allspice

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Calycanthus genus in the family Calycanthaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
3 m
Spread
3 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The aromatic bark is dried and used as a substitute for cinnamon and all spice[2][1].

Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The bark is expectorant[11]. A decoction of the fresh or dried bark has been used in the treatment of sore throats, severe colds and stomach disorders[11].

Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Stomachic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A light brown dye is obtained from the flowers[5]. The wood and the bark from fresh shoots has been used in basket making[11].

Product or use
Basketry
Product or use
Dye

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - California.
Habitat
Banks of streams, ponds and other wet places below 1200 metres[2][7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. If the seed is harvested 'green' (as soon as it has fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately it can germinate in 3 weeks[3]. Dried seed germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[4]. Stored seed requires between 3 weeks and 3 months cold stratification before sowing in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. They can be difficult[3]. Layering in spring. Sever the new plants in a wet spell of weather about 15 months later and then lift them in the autumn[12]. High percentage[12]. Division of suckers in early spring[2]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a light loamy soil that is deep and moist but succeeds in most fertile soils if they are not shallow[2][6]. Requires a well-drained soil[8]. Prefers a sunny position but it tolerates shade when grown in warm temperate zones[2][9]. Requires a sheltered position, protected from cold winds[10]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[7]. The leaves and the flowers are very aromatic according to one report[8], whilst another says that the leaves and wood are pleasantly aromatic, whilst the flowers have no scent[10]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[9].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩1↩2

  4. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. 1989-00-00

    ↩

  5. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

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  6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  7. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  8. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2

  9. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  10. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  11. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  12. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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