Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Northern Spicebush is a versatile native shrub with fragrant foliage, early spring flowers, and brilliant fall color. Before the leaves emerge, small clusters of soft yellow blooms appear along the branches, providing one of the season’s earliest nectar sources for pollinators. Its light green leaves release a warm, spicy scent when crushed and turn a clear golden yellow in autumn. Typically growing 6–12 feet tall, Northern Spicebush thrives in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, moist borders, and mixed shrub plantings. Female plants produce bright red fall berries that feed birds and other wildlife, though both male and female plants are needed for fruit production. It is also the host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies, adding even more habitat value to this underused native shrub. Why choose Northern Spicebush? Early yellow flowers support pollinators in spring Fragrant foliage adds sensory appeal Red berries feed birds and wildlife on female plants Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies Excellent for woodland gardens, shrub borders, and naturalized plantings Maintenance Tips Plant Northern Spicebush in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, and water during establishment. For berries, plant both male and female shrubs, and prune only lightly after flowering or while dormant to shape as needed.