ginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)Native to the woodlands of eastern North America, Sweetspire (also known as Virginia Sweetspire) has long tassels of fragrant, small, white flowers which bloom in early summer. It thrives in moist soils and will adapt even to dry conditions, making it a great choice for rain gardens. Sweetspire leaves turn attractive shades of red to purple in fall. Its flowers are a favorite of butterflies, and its seeds are eaten by birds.