Calycanthus ( sweetshrub ) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Calycanthaceae , endemic to North America . The genus includes two to four species depending on taxonomic interpretation; two are accepted by the Flora of North America . The flowers have a beautiful mild spicy fragrance. * Leaves contain small quantities of camphor. They can be used as an insect repellent, perfume and disinfectant. * All parts of the plant are richly fragrant. The flowers have a refreshing scent of ripe apples. The wood, leaves and roots smell strongly of camphor, whilst the bark smells like cinnamon. * Stored seed requires between 3 weeks and 3 months cold stratification before sowing in the spring. Growing Info: Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours. Stratification: cold stratify for 90 days. Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed. Other: 60 days cold strat may be enough.