Often called Skunkbush because of its leaf’s odor when crushed. Actually, it’s a refreshing, cleansing smell, not unlike Pine-sol. This nice specimen below was at North Sterling State Park but it was girdled one winter, either by rabbits or porcupine, and is now dead. Smaller ones, and many of them, are still in the neighborhood.
The blooms occur in early May long before any leaves develop. The blossoms are extremely small.
