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Writer's pictureKimberly Simmen

Native Plant of the Week: Spicebush

Family: Lauraceae


Name: Lindera benzoin


Bloom Time: April


Flower: Yellow


Fruit: red berry (male and female necessary but not sexed in the trade), August-September


Soil Condition: Moist, well-drained, adaptable


Light: Sun, partial sun


Height: 8-15' x 6-15'


Native Range: Eastern United States including Long Island


Zone: 5-9


Spicebush is also known as the 'forsythia of the woods' due to its yellow flowers in early spring. It tolerates full shade but does not bloom as well as in full to partial sun.

Although you need a male and female tree for cross-pollination if you want berries, even without the berries it is a must-have in the native garden. The leaves hide the berries, unlike the flowers, which appear before the leaves. As a bonus, the fall color is a lovely yellow-gold.


Photos: Spicebush caterpillar instars, flowers (KMS Native Plants)


Maintenance: none necessary


Benefits: Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and Promethea Silkmoth, black walnut tolerant, great for early pollinators, not deer resistant as it is food for many mammals


Fun Facts: A tea can be made from the aromatic leaves and twigs. Berries may be used fresh or dried.


Companion Plants: Cornus florida (common dogwood), Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud), Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells), Phlox divaricata (woodland phlox)


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