Wild Allspice
Spicebush, named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, is native to moist woodlands. It is most often used in landscapes in shrub borders and naturalized areas. Bright red fruits ripen from July through October on female plants, but are only showy once the foliage falls off. High in fat content in the berries are quickly eaten by various species of birds.
Larval Host for the
Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Promethea Silkmoth
6-12'
SIZE
SOIL
Acidic, Moist, Well-Drained, Wet
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
BENEFITS
Birds, Butterflies
NOTES
In the North this plant is thought of as the “forsythia of the wilds” because its early spring flowering gives a subtle yellow tinge to many lowland woods where it is common. A tea can be made from the aromatic leaves and twigs.
CHARACTERISTICS
Tolerates Flooding, Early Bloomer, Aromatic Leaves, Low Maintenance, Fall Color, Showy Fruit
April
Shrub
This
flowers in
Northern Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Spicebush, named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, is native to moist woodlands. It is most often used in landscapes in shrub borders and naturalized areas. Bright red fruits ripen from July through October on female plants, but are only showy once the foliage falls off. High in fat content in the berries are quickly eaten by various species of birds.