Spice Bush

The Spicebush, Lindera bezoin, is a native deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which typically grows 6 12' high. Clusters of tiny, aromatic, greenish yellow flowers bloom along the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers of female plants give way to bright red drupes to 12 long which mature in fall and are attractive to birds. Female plants need a male pollinator in order to set fruit, however. Drupes are very attractive, but are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. Thick, oblong, light green leaves to 5 long turn an attractive yellow in autumn. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. The larva caterpillar of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves of this shrub. Lindera is named for the Swedish botanist, Johann Lindler. It is used for shrub borders, shade or woodland gardens, moist areas along streams or ponds, native plant gardens or naturalized plantings. They are easily grown in average, medium wet, well drained soils in full sun to part shade. Fall color is best in sunny areas. Tolerates full shade, but habit becomes more open and wide spreading.