Plant Details
Lindera Benzoin
Common name: Spicebush
A broad, rounded multistemmed shrub covered with fragrant yellow-green flowers in early spring. The flowers open before the leaves emerge and are held close to the branches. Aromatic light green leaves turn deep yellow-gold in fall. Birds feed on the small, brilliant red fruits formed on female plants. A 2005 Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit winner.
Culture:
Grow in average, medium wet, well-drained soil. Fall color is best in sunny areas. Tolerates full shade, but habit becomes more open. Plant males and females to insure fruit set.
Use:
Shrub borders, shade or woodland gardens, moist areas, native gardens or naturalized areas. The larva (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves.
Height:
6 to 12 feet
Spread:
6 to 12 feet
Color:
Light Green
Fall color: Deep Yellow
USDA Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Good Companion Plants
- American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Wild Plum (Prunus americana)
Characteristics and Attributes
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Season of Interest:
Early (Feb - Apr)
Mid (May - June)
Late (July - frost)
Soil Moisture:
Moderate
High
Wildlife Benefit:
Food/Birds
Butterfly Host
Special Uses:
Fragrant
Nature Attracting:
Butterfly
Songbird
