Lindera benzoin

Spicebush

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.

Height 6-12 Feet

Spread 6-12 Feet

Bloom/Seasonal Color Light Green

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

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) • Mid (May-June) • Early (Feb-Apr)
Soil Moisture • Moderate • High	Special Uses • Fragrant	Sun Exposure • Medium Sun/Average Shade • Full Sun
USFS MO Ecological Map • Osage Plains • Mississippi Aluvial Basin • Ozark Highlands • Central Dissected Till Plain	Wildlife Benefit • Butterfly Host • Food/Birds