Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Northern Spicebush

(Lindera benzoin)

R. A. Nonenmacher

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: R. A. Nonenmacher

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: R. A. Nonenmacher | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nonenmac | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lindera_benzoin_02532.jpg | Notes: Photo of ''[[Mahonia repens]]'' (labelled ''M. amplectens'') [[Regional Parks Botanic Garden]], Berkeley, California, taken April 2007 by [[User:Stan Shebs]] {{Stan Shebs photo}} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Lindera benzoin, commonly known as Northern Spicebush, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of deciduous forests, often found in moist areas, stream banks, and woodlands in the Eastern United States and Gulf States. It typically grows to 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) tall and can spread to form clumps or thickets due to its colonial nature and tendency to reproduce by root sprouting. The plant features aromatic, yellow flowers that bloom in showy clusters in early spring before the foliage emerges. These flowers are notable for their six sepals and very sweet odor. In the fall, the plant produces red berries that are attractive to wildlife.

Northern Spicebush is valued for its early spring flowers, which provide a nectar source for pollinators, and its aromatic leaves, which can be used in teas. It is commonly used in naturalized plantings, as an understory shrub in shaded gardens, and for habitat restoration projects. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate medium or slow drainage. While it can grow in full sun, it thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. The extensive root system makes transplanting mature plants difficult, so propagation from seed is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 6-12 feet
Width: 6-12 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Yellow, Green
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Understory of deciduous forests, often found in moist areas, stream banks, and woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: , Spicebush, Wild Allspice, Benjamin Bush

Scientific Names: , Lindera benzoin, Lindera benzoin var. benzoin, Laurus benzoin, Benzoin benzoin, Benzoin odoriferum, Benzoin aestivale f. xanthocarpum, Benzoin geniculatum, Calosmon acstivale, Calosmon benzoin

GBIF Accepted Name: Lindera benzoin (L.) Meisn.