Spicebush, Bare Root

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

A fragrant woodland shrub for the understory and moist garden edges. Its leaves, early flowers, and fall fruit serve different visitors across the season.

Key Characteristics

Look inside a folded leaf

Spicebush swallowtail caterpillars shelter in folded leaves. Leave these small structures intact on healthy plants so a routine cleanup does not remove the developing butterfly.

Fruit needs both sexes

Red fruit develops on female plants with a compatible male nearby. These seedlings are not sexed; several improve the chance of a fruiting group but do not guarantee one.

A useful understory layer

Use it beneath an open canopy where the soil stays reasonably moist. More light can improve flowering, provided exposed plants are protected from drought.

Product Details

• Native range: Southeastern Canada and central and eastern United States
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade; Full Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium; Medium-Wet
• Mature height: 8–15 feet
• Bloom: March–April
• Bloom color: Yellow, Green
• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
• Fruit or seed: Red, aromatic fruit on pollinated female plants; seedlings are unsexed.
• Pollination: Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Plant several unsexed seedlings for a better chance of both sexes and fruit; sex is not guaranteed.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting, water the root zone during establishment, and mulch without covering the crown. Base fertilizer on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when feeding is needed.

Protect young plants from deer and drying roots. Folded leaves can be caterpillar shelters rather than a disease symptom. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. Seed-grown plants vary in growth, flowering, and fruiting.