Carolina allspice, or sweetshrub, has untoothed, opposite, ovate leaves with a pleasant, spicy aroma. The flowers, blooming in May and June, have numerous overlapping strap-like petals and a fruity scent. The flowers are usually an unusual shade of dark red with a hint of maroon and sit atop short branchlets. Leaves can be 4-6” long, with a rough texture. Shrubs can get quite large, up to 8 feet, and suckering may occur. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil. Native to the southern states, it blooms on new growth, so do not prune until after flowering. The Chicago area is a little north of its native range, so some winter damage may occur, but will not affect flowering on new growth. The genus Calycanthus is separated into its own family, with its nearest relatives in the laurel family, which includes cinnamon and sassafras. The fruit is a hard oblong capsule shaped like a fig.