About the 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 1/2" 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.
