Lindera benzoin

Spicebush

Spicebush is so named due to the fragrant essential oils in leaves, twigs, and fruits. Foliage is light green in summer, changing to golden yellow in fall. Clusters of small yellow flowers open in leaf axils before the leaves emerge.  The flowers are fragrant and very pretty in a subtle way. Small, egg-shaped, bright scarlet fruits are visible in September. 

This deciduous native shrub is a host plant for several species of swallowtail butterflies. Eggs are laid on the foliage. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the foliage before pupating. The flowers attract pollinators, songbirds eat the fruit during fall migration and plants provide nesting sites for a number of animals. 

Very good choice for moist soil along stream banks, damp woods, and naturalizing. 

  • Native, ornamental shrub
  • Host plant for swallowtail butterflies
  • Great shrub for naturalizing

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Landscape Characteristics
Flowers
Foliage Color
Fragrance
Ornamental Fruit
Classification by Use
Native
Animal Resistance
Deer Resistant
Habit
Spreading
Upright
Light Requirement
Part Sun
Part Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Fall Color
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Moisture
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Green
Yellow
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Lindera benzoin

Best sited in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in part shade. Will grow in full sun if soil moisture is adequate. Plant habit becomes loose in full shade.