Spicebush
At a Glance
Latin Name: Lindera benzoin
Zones: 4-7
Other common names: Spicebush, Spicewood, Benjamin Bush, Northern Spicebush
Mature Height/spread: a rounded, deciduous shrub, open form 8′ to 12′ tall, equal width. It has a long-life span in comparison to most other plant species and a slow growth rate. Has green foliage and yellow flowers. Flower bloom is usually observed in the mid spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall.
Flowering: March-April; fruits maturing August-October (-November).
Soil / Climate: full sun to partial shade, prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Spicebush has a low tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.
Common habitats are low woods, swamp margins and streamside's.
Notes: Spicebush sometimes forms thickets.
Wildlife: The fruit and berries often attract birds.
Birds are important dispersal agents. The hermit thrush swallows the whole fruit and later regurgitates the seed, indicating that it is an important seed disperser.
Mammals may also be potential dispersers of genus seeds, including the raccoon and opossum. Small berries provide food for wildlife in winter. Over 20 species of birds, as well as deer, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums have been recorded as browsing the leaves or eating the fruits.
-Provides habitat for deer, rabbits and butterflies.
Bare Root Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information