Einstein summersweet is a deciduous shrub developed from the eastern American clethra. While Einstein is famous for his brilliance, this plant salutes his prolific and unruly white hair with prolific fragrant white flowers spikes that appear at the height of summer and which attract butterflies and birds. The flower spikes reach up to 12 inches long and are the striking feature of the plant, along with its lustrous green leaves, and compact form.

The shrub grows to 3-4 feet high and wide depending on the location and prefers full sun althoug tolerant of damp soils and clay. Summersweet flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter. It is a versatile plant being suitable for borders, screens or as a specimen plant. The botanical name refers to the shape of the leaves which are reminiscent of alder leaves.