Lindera benzoin
spicebush
Notes:
Native to moist woodlands of the piedmont and mountains.
Moist, rich, well-drained soils speed growth. Sunlight needed for best fall color and density. Should establish easily from containers, even if difficult to transplant from the field. Dove/Woolridge and Missouri BG both cite drought tolerance, but NCSU and JerseyYards.org say the opposite. Sandy soil tolerance is debated (Dove/Woolridge and White Oak vs. JerseyYards.org and the USDA), as is salt tolerance.
Stems aromatic when broken, fruit when squeezed, leaves when crushed or (at least according to Bir) brushed against; the aroma is one of spice and citrus.
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, Dove/Woolridge, NCSU, UFL, JerseyYards.org, UConn, USDA, Bir, Druse.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
aromatic foliage
aromatic twigs/bark
attracts:bees
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:butterflies
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
clay tolerant
deer resistant
dioecious
easy to grow
exposure:full shade
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fire risk low
form:multi-trunked
form:shrub
fragrant flowers
habit:rounded
habit:upright
long-lived
native:eastern North America
part shade preferred
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease free
rich soil preferred
rich soil required
roots:coarse/few
roots:low damage potential
showy flowers
slow-growing
tea from foliage
type:broadleaf
use:border
use:foundation
use:hedge
use:mass planting
use:naturalizing
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
WON high-value plant
Back to the previous page