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Carolina Allspice

Calycanthus floridus

$32.00

Easy care deciduous shrub naturally occurring as an understory plant in woodlands of the Eastern US from Virginia to Florida. Carolina Allspice is related to magnolias and has glossy bright green leaves and unusual small reddish-brown flowers from late Spring to mid Summer, followed by urn-shaped seed capsules. Grows to approx. 2m high x 2m, sometimes taller in shade. It can be kept pruned as a hedge if required. Frost hardy.

PB3

Cultivation

Happy in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. The fragrance and flavour will be stronger if it is in a sunny spot however. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay, but prefers a rich loam. It can handle brief periods of drought or inundation but is happiest with regular moisture. Prune straight after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Allspice can sucker, so remove root suckers regularly if you don’t want it to spread.

Uses

The aromatic bark can be dried and used as a substitute for cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or allspice. Dry out winter prunings for a couple of days then scrape off the bark and store the flakes in an airtight container for up to a year. Use in sweet or savoury dishes such as curry, rice pudding or pancakes.

The leaves contain small quantities of camphor and can be used as an insect repellent e.g. in linen and clothing drawers, in pot pourri, in perfume and as a disinfectant.

The Iroquois and Cherokee people often used the leaves and bark of this plant for ceremonial purposes, including in healing ceremonies and in rituals to encourage positive and ward off negative energy.

There is still a rich symbolism around the plant in the US, where it is depicted in traditional arts and crafts. It often represents connection to past generations and themes of renewal or nostalgia for simpler times, as well as being a representation of resilience and beauty in nature.

Medicinal Uses

Calycanthus species have a long history of use in American herbal medicine, particularly by the Cherokee people of the eastern US. This plant was often used externally for dermatological issues, especially for children – resins from the bark would be used on sores and wounds and in an infusion for hives. A strong decoction of root bark was also used as a strong emetic to induce vomiting, and a weaker one was used for kidney and bladder issues. A cold infusion of the bark was used as an eyewash for those with failing eyesight. An inhalation of the flowers was said to ease respiratory complaints. Later the settlers used tea of Carolina Allspice as a calming tonic for malaria.

Modern herbalists use it occasionally as an antispasmodic and disinfectant but due to the calycanthine content (see below) it can be a powerful heart depressant, however, and should be only be prescribed by qualified herbalists not used for self medication.

Primary Actions: emetic, antispasmodic, disinfectant

Parts Used: leaves, root, bark, flowers

History / Folklore / Further Info

Jo Says

Calycanthus contains calycanthine, an alkaloid similar to strychnine, which is toxic to humans and animals. However it is listed and described as an edible spice with no toxicity warnings in the well known Homegrown Revolution book by the ethnobotanist James Wong (who trained at Kew Gardens and writes for the New Scientist magazine). The Cherokee people used the seeds used to poison wolves, so clearly knew about the potential toxic effects and were able to use it in appropriate quantities. Caution advised.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.