Clethra, or Summersweet (*Clethra alnifolia), is a hardy, native North American deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, spiky white or pink flowers in midsummer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and offering yellow fall foliage and persistent winter seed capsules for multi-season interest. It thrives in moist, acidic soils, tolerates shade to sun, and is excellent for naturalizing or rain gardens, forming dense thickets with its root suckers. 
Key Characteristics
Flowers: Showy, fragrant racemes (spikes) of white or pink flowers, blooming July-August.
Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves that turn bright yellow in fall.
Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub, forming dense clumps or thickets, typically 3-8 feet tall.
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; birds eat the persistent seed capsules.
Winter Interest: Dried seed capsules remain on the plant. 
Growing Conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (blooms well in shade).
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils; tolerates wet areas and salt spray.
Water: Needs consistent moisture; avoid dry sites.
Hardiness: Hardy in zones 4-9.