As the tree ages, the outer bark exfoliates to reveal a cinnamon color. Small, white, bell-shaped flowers provide nectar to support pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/In-Bloom-Mountain-Pepperbush-Mountain-Pepper-Bush-Clethra-acuminata.-Anne-Holmes-artist-copy.jpg\")
Mountain pepperbush (Clethra acuminata). Anne Holmes, artist<\/p><\/div>\n
Plant in a moist, well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil. Mountain pepperbush can grow in full sun, but flower blooming is best in partial shade. Fungal dieback and root rot can sometimes affect it, but, generally, this is a trouble-free tree.<\/p>\n
Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/p>\n Woody Ethnobotany with Marc Williams<\/strong> Williams is an ethnobiologist. He has studied the people\/plant\/mushroom\/microbe connection intensively while learning to employ botanicals and other life forms for food, medicine and beauty. His training includes a Bachelor\u2019s degree in environmental studies concentrating in sustainable agriculture with a minor in business from Warren Wilson College, and a Master\u2019s degree in Appalachian studies concentrating in sustainable development with a minor in geography and planning from Appalachian State University.<\/p>\n
\nSunday, July 9, 1\u20134 p.m.<\/strong>
\nSpend a class learning more about the applications of woody plants and their ecology. We will start with a presentation about major tree and shrub families and will then go outside for a plant walk to practice identifying woody plants by the leaves, bark, flowers, fruit and growing conditions. The connection between woody plant and fungal species will be an additional topic of conversation, especially regarding medicinal mushrooms. Wear appropriate clothing for walking outside.<\/p>\n