Here are some higher resolution copies of the photos: http://thedistinct.com/host/random/buterfly_bush/1.JPG http://thedistinct.com/host/random/buterfly_bush/2.JPG

I started to look this up when I realized that I cut my Spicebush back all the time and during any time that I am raising SBST. So go ahead and trim. But, be careful not to trim berries. If you can pick those when they are red, you can grow more trees from seed. Small 4" pots, put in the seed at least an inch deep. Place pots in one of those open weave trays. Cover the top with another open weave tray. Duck tape to keep the critters out. By next spring you will have new little trees. Thanks to Carol Ivory a master gardener in Reston for this neat tip.

Sorry to hear that Ingrid, I have mine in a spot that gets some shade so maybe that helps plus I don't have the dry heat as you do. Duchess de Brabant isn't actually clmbing though I can see why you would think that. She is taller then the 6' fence she is up against. Is puts on some serious growth every year and I had to actually cut out a big branch in her middle that had some damage so that's maybe why it looks like it does. She grew super fast for me and I have thought about getting another one because of her excellent rebloom.

Should I just try to keep them alive in the pots until they are big enough to flower to make an easier identification? I would hate to kill something like bladdernut or hop tree. On the other hand I have been battling the same wisteria for 3 years. This seller seems to have a real online nursery, so it's hard to believe he doesn't want to help me out. He should know if he has either of the possibilities around.