Spicebush, Bare Root

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush is a fragrant, shade-tolerant native shrub found in rich woodlands and along streambanks throughout the eastern U.S. It’s a keystone species in many forest ecosystems, offering nectar for early-emerging pollinators, berries for migrating birds, and serving as the host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. With its lemon-scented leaves, bright yellow spring flowers, and brilliant golden fall foliage, Spicebush is a highly functional and beautiful addition to forest gardens, native shade plantings, hedgerows, and riparian buffers.

Key Characteristics

• Critical Host Plant for Spicebush Swallowtail
  Spicebush is the primary larval host for the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus), whose caterpillars rely exclusively on it and sassafras. Planting spicebush supports the full butterfly lifecycle and contributes to native insect conservation.
• Early Blooms for Spring Pollinators
  Blooming in March to April, Spicebush produces clusters of small yellow flowers before the leaves emerge, offering early nectar for native bees, small flies, and beetles when few other plants are in flower.
• Red Berries for Migrating Birds
  Female plants produce bright red berries in late summer, which are fat-rich and highly nutritious, especially important for migratory birds like thrushes, vireos, and catbirds. Birds often flock to spicebush in fall during their southbound journeys.
• Fragrant Foliage and Golden Fall Color
  When crushed, the leaves and twigs emit a pleasant, spicy-citrus aroma—hence the name. In autumn, Spicebush lights up the woodland understory with brilliant golden-yellow foliage, providing seasonal beauty in native plantings.
• Shade-Tolerant and Excellent in Moist Woodlands
  Thriving in part shade to full shade and medium to medium-wet soils, Spicebush is ideal for woodland gardens, shady food forests, and streambank restoration. It also works beautifully in layered plantings, filling the shrub layer beneath canopy trees.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern U.S. and Midwest
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
• Sun Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet
• Mature Height: 6–12 feet
• Bloom Time: March–April
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Spicebush is a powerhouse native shrub that supports pollinators, butterflies, and birds while thriving in shaded, moist sites. Perfect for rewilding woodlands and enhancing biodiversity in native gardens.