Northern Spicebush | Lindera benzoin

Native. Wildlife value. Spicebush is a deciduous shrub that can be found in rich forests, dry forests on slopes, and swamps. The leaves are alternate with a smooth margin. Leaves produce a spicy odor when crushed. The bark is brown to gray-brown and speckled with light-colored lenticels. In early spring, small, yellow flowers mature in axillary clusters. The shrub produces a bright red drupe with a peppery taste and scent. The fruit matures in the fall. This plant is sensitive to heat and drought. This plant is dieocious, which means female fruit sets need male pollinator plants to reproduce. This plant has good, yellow fall color. This plant supports Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) larvae which has two flights from March-December with a partial 3rd flight in the South. The adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers like sweet pepperbush, thistles, blue flag, and azalea. This plant also supports Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) larvae which have 2 generations per year from April-October.

Mature Height: 8-15 feet

Mature Width: 6-15 feet

Exposure: Part Sun (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in early spring & red berries in the fall 

Zone Hardiness: 5-9