Lindera benzoin ([Northern] Spicebush)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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.

Female Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) flowers in April.
Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills
Male Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) flower buds in April.
Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills
Flowering Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in April.
Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) drupes in July.
Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) drupes in September.
Photo © 2014 Elaine Mills
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) with fruit in September.
Photo © 2014 Robert M. Kline

Print Version (Legal Size): Lindera benzoin ([Northern] Spicebush)

Lindera benzoin, (Northern) Spicebush 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 TipsSoil Requirements: Rich, well-drainedLight Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: MoistUse as a hedge or in rain or woodland gardensHardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 Excellent Replacement for Eleagnus umbellata - Autumn Olive Ligustrum species - Privets Lonicera species - Bush Honeysuckles Rhamnus fangula - Tall Hedge Buckthorn
Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets: