The Unusual Flower Of Sweetfern

Day 244: Comptonia peregrina is not native to the Pacific Northwest. I was given a start of it by a friend who lives on the east coast and am growing it under controlled conditions in one corner of my garden. It is a deliciously scented small shrub, emitting a cinnamony fragrance on warm afternoons. When dried and crushed, the leaves make a wonderful addition to potpourri. Sweetfern (one word, and not a fern) is also called Spicebush.

Until now, I had never really noticed the inflorescence of this plant. I had observed the long catkins which follow the flowering stage, but had overlooked the flowers themselves. They are quite unusual and are camouflaged very well amongst the lacy greenery.