Plants and People Project

Carolina allspice - Calycanthus floridus

Nicknames: Sweet shrub; Sweet Betsy, Strawberry Bush, Bubby bush

The leaves are aromatic when bruised. Sometimes called sweet shrub because the fragrance of a blossom has been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana.

Cherokees used the root or bark to make a medicine for kidney ailments. Settlers used a tea made form it to treat malaria. Peterson's Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants

The aromatic bark was dried & used as a substitute for cinnamon. Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

"It is asserted that the shrub is important as a source of poisoning to cattle and sheep." The Dispensatory of the United States of America. 1918

White footed mice eat the seeds. SC LIFE Project

Caution the seeds of this plant are reported to be poisonous. Poisonous Plants

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and other facts / More facts

Carolina allspice

 

green right facing arrow. Next Plant green right facing arrow. Plants & People Index

green ivy rule

Internet Hunts / Nature / Fields, Meadows and Fencerows EcoStudy Unit / Bluebirds Project / Puzzles & Projects / Problem based Learning / Site map / Home

All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.
Posted 5/10/06 Cindy O'Hora