Spicebush

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)Make it stand out

Hello there! Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), a shrub that brings a burst of beauty (and fragrance!) to Ontario’s shaded forests. You may not notice me at first, but once I bloom in early spring, I make quite the entrance! My delicate yellow flowers brighten the woodland floor before my leaves even appear—some folks call me the “forsythia of the wild” because I arrive so early.

But I’m not just a pretty face. Give my leaves or twigs a little crush, and you’ll catch a warm, spicy aroma—a scent reminiscent of allspice. Indigenous communities have long brewed my twigs into a fragrant tea to help with colds, fevers, and digestion.

I also play a big role in supporting wildlife. My leaves are a nursery for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly, whose caterpillars cleverly disguise themselves as bird droppings before transforming into elegant pollinators. And when my bright red berries appear in late summer, birds swoop in for a feast!

Looking to grow me? I flourish in moist, well-drained soil with shade or partial sun, and I stand 5-7 feet tall at maturity. Just a little tip—I'm dioecious, which means you’ll need both male and female plants in your yard to get berries. Unfortunately, you won’t know what you’ve got until I bloom in my second or third growing season, but planting a few of us together increases your chances!

I may not demand attention, but I have plenty to offer—whether it’s springtime beauty, fragrant leaves, or my role as a wildlife champion. So, what do you say—shall we make your garden a little wilder?