Mock Orange vs American Sweet Flag

Mock Orange is an ornamental shrub known for its fragrant, white flowers. The scent is often described as orange-like with a hint of jasmine. Attractive to pollinators, hummingbirds, and humans alike.

Mock Orange is highly versatile, and can be used as an ornamental shrub, either alone or as a hedge. It is well suited for streambank stabilization and riparian zone restoration, due to its ability to grow in low, moist areas as well as those that are high and dry. Lewis Mock Orange also has the capability of being used in soil bioengineering projects such as live staking.

American Sweet Flag is a native perennial wetland plant found along shorelines, streams, wet meadows, and marshes. Its extensive rhizome system allows it to spread and stabilise soil, helping maintain the edges of ponds and streams. This dense growth provides cover for small animals and supports overall wetland biodiversity, while the rhizomes and seeds serve as food for small mammals and waterfowl. Cold-hardy and resilient, it is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian plantings, erosion control, and naturalization projects.

The plant grows in dense clumps with tall, sword-shaped leaves that release a citrus-like scent when bruised. The rhizomes are aromatic, with a spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance that has been used in perfumery and flavouring. In early summer, American Sweet Flag produces a distinctive floral spike (spadix), adding visual interest to wetland plantings.

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