If you want a tough, deer-resistant native shrub in your yard that looks terrific in spring, summer and fall, you need to know about Virginia Sweetspire.

Virginia Sweetspire is also known as Tassel-white and Virginia Willow. Its scientific name is Itea virginica. “Itea” is the Ancient Greek name for willow, and “virginica” means from Virginia, which certainly clears up the meaning behind the common name Virginia Willow; however, most people simply call this plant Sweetspire.