Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

This is a gorgeous native shrub to Eastern North America that has been sadly ignored by most gardeners. Its growth range is from northern Florida to Ontario, the northern limit. This shrub has it all and has a huge wildlife appeal and impact.

The Latin name refers to the Swedish botanist, Johann Linder, whom the shrub is named after. Benzoin is an old Arabic word meaning, ‘aromatic gum’ referring to the beautiful, aromatic scent released when the leaves are crushed or cut. The other common name for this deciduous shrub is wild allspice.

Typically in the wild, Spicebush is an understory shrub of cool woods, stream sides, and swamp edges. It creates natural thickets and clumps through root sprouts. From early April till May, they are adorned in yellow flowers long before the leaves begin to unfurl. In fact, this early Spring flowering has earned the Spicebush the nickname, ‘the Forsythia of the wilds’. This very early blooming trait has critical importance for all the early pollinators that are in search of food after emerging from winter stasis.

The flowers are unique for this dioecious plant having separate male and female plants. The yellow flowers of the male plant are larger and showier than the female. The female flowers must be pollinated by a male plant in order to be able to set fruit. Interestingly, you will find more male shrubs in the wild than female since the reproductive cost to produce fruit is so much higher for the female plant.

By early Fall, the female Spicebush is covered in glossy, red berries that have huge wildlife appeal. Over 20 different kinds of songbirds enjoy their fruits from the great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, veery, white and red-eyed vireo, catbird, robin, and white-throated sparrow. Of importance is the timing of the fruit since this coincides with Fall bird migration.

Though the Spicebush prefers partial shade to full shade, the best flower and subsequent fruit production are with full sun conditions. The shrub will thrive in full sun as long as the soil is constantly moist. Soils should be well drained. Overall, this is a very adaptable, nonfussy plant that can be companion planted with black walnut and not be affected by walnut juglans toxicity.

Don’t be alarmed if your Spicebush shows signs of leaves being nibbled. The caterpillars of the Eastern Tiger swallowtail, Spicebush swallowtail, Promethea moth, and Tulip tree Beauty will munch the aromatic leaves. Other than being a host plant for the mentioned caterpillars, the Spicebush has no real pest or disease issues.

You do not need to wait long for all these wildlife benefits since this is a fast-growing shrub. Spicebush will attain heights of 5 – 7 feet and widths of 5 – 7 feet.

So will you consider planting a Northern Spicebush and giving Nature a hand?