California spicebush
Calycanthus occidentalis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
California spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 72"–120" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
sap beetles, flies
Before you buy
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A deciduous shrub with arching stems and glossy oval leaves that release a spicy fragrance when crushed. Produces wine-red, ranunculus-like flowers in late spring followed by urn-shaped seed pods that persist into winter.
Wildlife value
The unusual maroon flowers are pollinated primarily by sap beetles rather than bees, and the dense branching offers cover and nesting structure for songbirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does California spicebush need?
- California spicebush grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does California spicebush bloom?
- California spicebush blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is California spicebush native?
- California spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California spicebush attract?
- California spicebush draws sap beetles and flies.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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