Quick answer: Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Moist, deep loams |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 12 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Low wildlife value, conspicuous red flowers |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Carolina allspice
Where is Carolina allspice native?
Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is native to 17 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Carolina allspice bloom?
Carolina allspice blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Carolina allspice need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Moist. Soil: Moist, deep loams. Mature height: Up to 12 ft tall.
Is Carolina allspice good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Low wildlife value, conspicuous red flowers.
Is Carolina allspice deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Carolina allspice is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Carolina allspice seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Calycanthus floridus on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Carolina allspice.
- Green-and-gold Chrysogonum virginianum
- Smooth hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Virginia sweetspire Itea virginica
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
