| This large shrub is common in the understory of rich woods in the Mountains of North Carolina. It is endemic to the southern Appalachians. Haywood Co., NC 5/10/08.
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| Similar to the smaller Coastal Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) of the Coastal Plain, but the leaves are longer-pointed (acuminate) and the flowers lack the spicily sweet fragrance of the Coastal Sweet Pepperbush. Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.
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| Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.
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| The racemes of white flowers open in mid-late July. Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.
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| Remnants of infructescences. Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.
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| The broad leaves are large, about the size of your hand. Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.
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| The reddish bark peels off in thin sheets, which gives it another common name, Cinnamonbark Clethra. Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.
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| Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.
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| Some more photos of the cinnamon-colored, peeling bark of some large specimens, just because it is so beautiful. Carroll Co., VA 4/11/10.
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| Carroll Co., VA 4/11/10.
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| Carroll Co., VA 4/11/10.
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| Carroll Co., VA 4/11/10.
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More information:
NC State
Tree Trail
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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