Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

The Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a versatile shrub, known for its fragrant leaves and bright yellow flowers in early spring.  Spicebush plays a vital role in attracting pollinators and supporting wildlife. Its berries provide food for various birds and mammals while its dense growth can help stabilize soils and reduce erosion, enhancing the health of the ecosystem.

Our Spicebush plants are selected for their vigorous growth and resilience, ensuring they thrive in low-input systems while contributing significantly to biodiversity and habitat restoration.

Plant Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Lindera benzoin
• Size & Shape: Grows 6-12 feet tall with a similar spread; upright, bushy form with arching branches.
• Fruit Type: Bright red drupes that ripen in late summer and persist into fall.
• Flowering: Clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers bloom before the leaves emerge in early spring.
• Ecological Benefits: Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control; the aromatic leaves are used in traditional herbal remedies, and the plant supports beneficial insects and enhances soil biodiversity.
• Wildlife Benefits: Berries are an important food source for birds such as bluebirds and thrushes, while the dense foliage provides habitat for small mammals and nesting sites for birds.

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Requirement: Prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate full sun.
• Water Requirement: Moderate water needs; thrives in consistently moist soils but can tolerate periods of drought once established.
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9.
• Soil Preference: Prefers rich, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.