Lindera benzoin

Spicebush

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This 2005 Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit winner is a broad, rounded multi-stemmed shrub covered with fragrant, yellow-green flowers in March and April. In fall, the aromatic light green leaves turn a deep yellow-gold while birds feed on the small, brilliant red fruits produced on female plants. It is the host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.

Additional Information:

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Height
6-12 Feet

Spread
6-12 Feet

Bloom/Seasonal Color
Light Green

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Wild Plum (Prunus americana), American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), Indian Cherry; Carolina Buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana), Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), Tulip Poplar (Lirondendron tulipifera)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

•

FACW-

Nature Attracting

•	Songbird
•	Butterfly

Season of Interest

•	Late (July-frost)
•	Early (Feb-Apr)
•	Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

•	Moderate
•	High

Special Uses

•

Fragrant

Sun Exposure

•	Full Sun
•	Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

•	Central Dissected Till Plain
•	Osage Plains
•	Mississippi Aluvial Basin
•	Ozark Highlands

Wildlife Benefit

•	Butterfly Host
•	Food/Birds