Hummingbird summersweet is derived from the deciduous shrub native to the eastern U. S. Its name is based on the prolific, fragrant, white flowers that appear at the height of summer and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flower spikes are up to 6 inches long and protrude from lustrous dark green foliage.

Hummingbird is a very neat and compact plant, growing to only 4 feet high and 5 feet wide and is suitable for borders, screens, or as a specimen plant. Summersweet is tolerant of a range of garden conditions including shade, damp soils, and clay. It flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter. Because it can tolerate shade, it is also useful as an understory planting as long as the soil is kept moist, especially when establishing it. It will sucker, but not aggressively and can be managed without difficulty.