Spicebush, Lindera benzoin
Native, rounded, deciduous, shrub or small tree, with upright multi-trunk branches, aromatic, bright green leaves turning yellow in autumn. Umbels of tiny, start shaped, greenish yellow flowers, are borne in mid spring, followed by red berries on female plants in the autumn. Seeds are eaten by 24 species of birds, including thrushes, great crested flycatcher, red eye vireo, and eastern kingbird: larval plant for the spicebush and tiger swallowtail butterflies.
Both sexes needs to be planted together in order to bear fruit. Fruiting may began during the third to sixth year of growth. Spicebush are best transplanted when young as they quickly establish a rather coarse, deep root system that resents disturbance. Grow in moist to dryish, acid, coarse, sandy, rich loam preferred, well drained soil. At this time we only have unsexed available in the Spicebush.
Native Eastern North America
Hardiness Zone 4-8
Mature Growth: 3-10 feet Height 8-10 feet Spread
Partial Shade best, Full Sun with afternoon shade
Naturalistic in the landscape
Image of Spicebush caterpillar above
Plant Size when available: unsexed only available
12 to 18 inches tall
18 to 24 inches tall