Spice Bush, Calycanthus occidentalis, is a deciduous shrub native to the southern Sierras of California. This shrub is known for its extremely aromatic leaves, and its interesting flowers, which have many tepals, stamens, and pistils. It is a fairly primitive plant, in the Laurel family. Horticulturally, this plant has the potential to be a central plant in a landscape near its natural habitat, as its interesting flowers and scent will make it stand out. It needs more water than many California shrubs, but still will be more drought resistant than most landscape plants.