Spicebush, Bare Root

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), sometimes called spiceberry or spicewood, is a beautiful and fragrant native shrub that is becoming increasingly popular in home gardens. Its leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, and they emit a spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance when crushed that repels mosquitos. In the spring, Spicebush produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by clusters of bright red berries in the fall. Spicebush is found naturally in low or moist ground along streams, ravine bottoms and low wet woods.

Spicebush is a valuable shrub for wildlife. The berries are a favorite food source for many birds, and the flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. The dried berries can be used as an alternative to allspice. The leaves are also a host plant for several species of butterflies. Spicebush also has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomachaches, headaches, and fever. The bark, leaves, and berries are all considered to be medicinal.

Native Range: Eastern North America, from southern Maine to Florida and west to Texas.
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Mature Height: 6-12 feet.
Mature Width: 4-12 feet.
Bloom Time: April-May.
Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow.

Pollination:
Spicebush is a self-sterile plant, which means that it needs to be cross-pollinated by another Spicebush plant in order to produce fruit. Spicebush is pollinated by bees and other insects. See our Pollination page for more information on cross-pollination varieties and requirements!