Calycanthus floridus is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It is also known as Carolina allspice, eastern sweetshrub, strawberry bush, and sweet Betsy . The shrub has fragrant brownish-maroon flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.

Calycanthus floridus grows at a moderate rate of 12 to 18 inches per year under ideal growing conditions of deep, moist, loamy soil and with partial shade. Growth rate will be much slower in dry soil and full sun.

Sweetshrub, is a native shrub that has fragrant flowers and leaves. However, it may also have some problems with fungal diseases that cause white spots on the leaves. C. occidentalis is prone to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is a fungal disease, and it produces brown, red, or black spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus as well, and the symptoms include white to gray fuzzy patches on the surface of leaves and shoots. To prevent or treat these diseases, you should avoid overhead watering, prune out infected branches, and apply fungicides if needed.