Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

This summersweet cultivar is a compact, slowly spreading, deciduous shrub with fragrant, long, white flower clusters in July and August that attract an abundance of pollinating insects. Does best in sun to part shade and wet to drier soils and is salt tolerant. Suckers profusely. The "pepper" part of the common name derives from the nature of the fruits, capsules which have a vague resemblance to peppercorns but no discernible spiciness. The dwarf 'Hummingbird' cultivar typically grows only 3–4' tall. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Summersweet, also known as sweet pepperbush, is native to eastern North America. It grows in wetlands, bogs, and along woodland streams. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds use the flowers. Many birds and mammals eat the fruit. Attracts native bees. Host plant to several butterfly species. DNR lists as deer-resistant. 

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