sweetspire
Itea Gronov. ex L.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
Itea brings together shrubs and small trees whose modest individual flowers gather into conspicuous, many-flowered clusters. Some members keep their foliage year-round, while others are deciduous. The genus includes both the North American sweetspire and a much larger assemblage of Asian relatives, together with an African member formerly placed in Choristylis. Kew POWO: IteaFlora of China 8: IteaFlora of Taiwan: Itea
Botanical name
Itea is an accepted genus in Iteaceae. The expanded authorship Gronov. ex L. refers to the same Linnaean genus recorded in the database. Kew POWO: Itea
Recognizing the plant
The leaves are arranged alternately and have an undivided blade, commonly with gland-tipped or sharp teeth along its edge. Flower clusters arise at branch tips or from leaf axils and may be simple or branched. Each small flower typically has five petals and five stamens; petals can stand upright or turn back. A ring-shaped floral disc surrounds the ovary. The fruit is a narrow, often conical capsule, with persistent sepals at its base and a split at the tip, releasing numerous small seeds. Flora of China 8: Itea
Native range
Its native distribution spans central and eastern parts of the United States, eastern and tropical Asia, and Africa from Uganda southward to South Africa. China, the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia form major parts of its Asian range. Kew POWO: Itea
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.