spicebush
Lindera benzoin
MBG Plant of Merit 2005
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size6 to 12 feet tall6 to 12 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, autumn
- Bloom color
- Greenish yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a shrub for borders, hedges, rain gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Tiny pale yellow flowers open in spring before the leaves, and glossy red fruit follows. A little sun gives better form and more berries. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Red twig dogwood, Sensitive fern, and White fringe tree.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.