Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)

A genuine early-spring harbinger and one of the most important native larval hosts in the catalog, spicebush anchors the life cycle of the Spicebush Swallowtail and Promethea Silkmoth, while its aromatic red berries are a vital late-season fuel source for over 20 species of migrating and resident birds.

Species Overview

Lindera benzoin, commonly known as spicebush, is a deciduous shrub native to central and eastern United States, found in bottomlands, dry forests, ravines, valleys, swamps, and along streams. It grows 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, with small, yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers blooming in early-mid spring before the leaves unfurl, followed by bright red berries on female plants that ripen in late summer.

Application

• Woodland understory and shade garden plantings
• Larval host habitat for the Spicebush Swallowtail, Palamedes Swallowtail, and Promethea Silkmoth
• Wildlife habitat plantings - berries feed over 20 bird species
• Streambank and moist bottomland restoration

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade - part shade preferred; spreads more in heavy shade, needs more water in full sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of wet soils and clay
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; March-April
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
• Native Range: Maine to Ontario, south to Kansas, Texas, and northern Florida
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist-woodland shrub often found in floodplain forests; tolerates periodically wet soil.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Rounded, Multi-stemmed
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Dioecious - a male plant is needed to pollinate the female for berry production.