Northern Spicebush

Deciduous Shrub  •  $8 to $10, quart/gallon pot (unsexed)

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Height	5 to 15 ft
Spacing	5 to 10 ft
Sun Exposure	Shade to Part Shade
Soil Conditions	Medium
Bloom Color	Greenish White
Bloom Time	March, April
Companion Plantings	Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod, Mistflower
Special Attributes

Lindera benzoin

Northern Spicebush is one of the first plants to flower in the spring, with tiny, inconspicuous flowers that appear before the leaves, drawing small bees and flies. Lindera benzoin is an important host plant for multiple butterflies and moths, including the Spicebush Swallowtail and Promethea Moth.

This plant may blend into the background for most of the growing season, but the female flowers will eventually give way to bright red berries that are very ornamental and an important food source for migrating songbirds in the fall. Note that this plant is dioecious and separate female and male plants are required for successful flowering and fruiting; only female trees will bear the red drupes.

This plant prefers moist, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter, but does well in cultivation. Deer tend to avoid this shrub.

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