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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Lindera benzoin ([Northern] Spicebush)

Flower buds of Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) on sparsely lenticeled branches
Male flowers of the Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in April. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills
Femaile flowers of the the Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in April. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills
Flowering Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in April.Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills
Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) fruit in July
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Leaves beginning to turn color

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This ornamental shrub, which is common throughout most of the Mid- Atlantic Region, produces small, fragrant yellow flowers that cluster at the nodes of bare stems before leaves appear in early spring. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Spicebush as Wildflower of the Year in 2006. Shrub Male/Female Flowers, Spring/Early Fall Shrubs, Fruit Height: 61⁄2–16 feet Spread: 6–12 feet Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow Characteristics Deciduous shrub with broad, rounded habit Dioecious: separate male and female plants; plant sex may not be known for purchased plants Oval, sea-green leaves Fragrant yellow flowers from March to May Green drupes ripen to scarlet on female plants in summer; male plant needed nearby for fruit to set Clear, rich yellow foliage in autumn (turns brighter yellow with a little sun) Attributes Tolerates clay soil, dense shade, and drought No serious pests or diseases Deer seldom severely damage Smooth, gray-brown bark speckled with light- colored lenticels attractive in winter Aromatic, herbal, therapeutic (berry/bark teas) uses High wildlife value; larval host of Eastern Tiger & Spicebush Swallowtails and Promethea silkmoth Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Moist Use as a hedge or in rain or woodland gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 Excellent Replacement for Eleagnus umbellata - Autumn Olive Ligustrum species - Privets Lonicera species - Bush Honeysuckles Rhamnus fangula - Tall Hedge Buckthorn developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, U.S. National Arboretum, private garden, Arlington, VA, Green Spring Gardens and Bob Kline (middle right) Native Plant Garden, Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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Lindera benzoin ([Northern] Spicebush)

This ornamental shrub, which is common throughout most of the Mid-Atlantic Region, produces small, fragrant yellow flowers that cluster at the nodes of bare stems before leaves appear in early spring. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Spicebush as Wildflower of the Year in 2006.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets