Spicebush

Lindera benzoin is a deciduous native shrub in the laurel family, found naturally in the moist understory of eastern North American forests. Gardeners grow it for early spring interest before most shrubs leaf out, aromatic foliage and stems, and substantial wildlife value across three seasons.

The shrub is dioecious — male and female flowers occur on separate plants. At least one of each is needed for berry production. Female plants bear bright red drupes in late summer and fall with unusually high fat content, making them a critical food source for migratory thrushes, vireos, and veeries. Spicebush is the primary larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. Established plants spread slowly by root suckers and can form loose colonies. It is tolerant of periodic flooding and naturalizes readily along stream banks and woodland edges. A 2–3 inch layer of shredded leaf mulch replicates natural woodland floor conditions and reduces moisture loss. Soil pH in the mildly acid range typical of eastern hardwood forests suits it well.

Cherokee, Iroquois, and other Native peoples used bark and twig tea to treat fevers, colds, and rheumatism. Dried, ground berries have been used historically as a substitute for allspice or bay in cooking. The volatile oils responsible for the characteristic spicy aroma are concentrated in bark, leaves, and fruit.