A tall, many-branched, leafy shrub with spike-like, upright clusters of fragrant white flowers. 

6-12 feet tall.

Has multiple stems and exfoliating bark.

Simple oval, toothed leaves which turn dull yellow to orange in fall.

White flowers are followed by brown capsules which persist through winter.

The dense, narrow, cylindric flower spikes are often clustered together at branch ends. 

Native to eastern North America.