Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Native Shrub for Wildlife and Spice

Spicebush: The Forsythia of the Wild with Aromatic Leaves

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a deciduous native shrub of eastern North American woodlands. It blooms in early spring with clusters of tiny, fragrant yellow flowers before leaves emerge, followed by glossy red berries in fall. The leaves and twigs have a spicy, citrusy aroma when crushed.

Botanical Profile

Grows 6–12 feet tall and wide with a rounded habit. Dioecious (male and female plants); need both for berries. The berries are high in fat, crucial for migrating birds. Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly.

Uses and Cultivation

• Wildlife: Berries for birds; flowers for early pollinators; host for butterfly.
• Culinary: Dried berries as allspice substitute; twigs for tea.
• Native landscaping: Understory shrub for shade gardens.
• Fall color: Leaves turn clear yellow.

Part to full shade, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Plant male and female for fruit. Difficult to transplant; buy container-grown. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.