Quick answer: Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is native to 6 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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 | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, acid soils - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | 3-6 ft, up to 10 ft |
| Wildlife value | Cover, nectar for insects, attracts birds, conspicuous flowers |
none noted (cited as native alternative to invasive nandina, not itself invasive)
Lookalike alert
Cultivar ('Henry's Garnet'), not wild-type; live plant orderable, $34.99, no reviews yet — live-verified. ⚠ Note 15 Sep 2026: current listing is the 'Henry's Garnet' cultivar, not wild-type — flagged, species correct.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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