Lindera benzoin (Native)

Common Name
Spicebush
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
15.0
Width (ft)
6.0 - 15.0
Growth Rate
Slow
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: stella20009
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Paweł Pieluszyński
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: stella20009
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: moist woods, shaded wooded slopes or dunes, floodplain forests

Wildlife value: This plant supports Swallowtail butterflies.  Fruits are eaten by songbirds, especially during fall migration. Deer will browse twigs and leaves.

Notes: Early yellow flowers make a substitute for forsythia. You need both male and female plants to produce berries

Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
April
May
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Tolerates
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Carries Seeds (may not be available)