// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Virginia sweetspire

Itea virginica

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 3'–6'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–11b
Mature size: 3'–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Apr–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) — *Itea virginica* — Virginia sweetspire. Photo by User:SB_Johnny via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 3'–6'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, virginia sweetspire pairs naturally with: American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa).