Description
The Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), a delightful native shrub, is a wonderful addition to Longbranch landscapes. Growing 6–12 feet tall with a similar spread, it forms a rounded, multi-stemmed shape with glossy, oval leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in fall. In early spring, small, fragrant yellow flowers bloom along its branches, followed by bright red berries (on female plants) that ripen in late summer, offering food for birds like wood thrushes and robins. Its leaves, twigs, and berries emit a spicy, citrusy aroma when crushed, adding sensory charm.
Ecologically, Spicebush is a powerhouse. Its flowers attract early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies, and it serves as a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly larvae, boosting biodiversity. Thriving in partial shade to full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to wet or shady woodland settings. With a lifespan of 20–50 years, its understated elegance makes it ideal for woodland gardens, hedges, or naturalized areas.
For success, plant in a partly shaded or sunny spot with moist soil and water consistently during the first year to establish roots. Spicebush is highly pest-resistant and low-maintenance, with few disease issues.
| Spicebush Facts and Features | |
| Pollinator Information | High-energy fruit attracts many birds. Flowers are a favorite of many butterflies, and the larvae (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves. |
| Soil | Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil. Sensitive to drought |
| Required Sunlight | Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily) |
| Mature Size | Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet) |
| Flowers | Dioecious male and female flowers are on separate plants. Bright yellow flower clusters appear before the leaves in early spring. Male flowers are larger and showier than the female flowers. |
| Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions | A male pollinator is needed in order to set fruit on the female plant. Female plants produce 1/2 inch long clusters of bright red fruits (drupes), which mature in fall. The drupes are showy, but hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. This high energy fruit is a favorite for many birds. |
| Plant care | Spicebush grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun with adequate soil moisture. The fibrous root system makes it difficult to transplant. Since it blooms on old wood, prune soon after flowering. All parts of this shrub are highly aromatic when crushed. |
