Northern Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Lauraceae
Extraordinarily multi-stemmed oval woody shrub surprises us with dense clusters of little fragrant honey-yellow flowers up & down the branches in the early spring before leaves come out (March through May), 1/2 inch green fruits develop & turn bright red in the fall just as the 5 inch oval blue-green leaves are turning bright yellow, the fruit disappears shortly after the leaves fall - they have a high fat content and are eagerly consumed by songbirds, leaves (and fruits and stems) have a lovely spiced aroma when crushed (the scent is rumored to have insect repellant properties!), great early season nectar source for bees and other insects, host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars(Papilio troilus), This is a great understory shrub with all season interest - even the winter silhouette is attractive! Since they come in both male and female plants it is best to get a couple to ensure you get a female for fruit set (our plants are not old enough to be sexed yet!). Place these in rich soil and take care to water them carefully the first season to help them establish.
8-15 feet tall (6-15 feet wide)
Plant Hardiness Zones:
Zone 4a-9b
Woody Shrub
Native Range: Me to s ON, south to TX & FL. Rare in ME
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