Spicebush Live Shrub (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush Live Shrub (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush
Scientific name: Lindera benzoin
Native to eastern North America, including Maryland
Native Understory Shrub for Wildlife and Pollinators
Lindera benzoin, Spicebush, is a deciduous native shrub with small yellow flowers in early spring, aromatic foliage, and red berries on female plants. The flowers provide early-season resources for visiting pollinators, while the berries can be used by birds and other wildlife.
Spicebush is an important larval host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. The aromatic leaves, twigs, and berries have a distinctive spicy fragrance.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Part sun to light shade; well suited to understory plantings
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Mature Height: About 6 feet
- Spread: About 3 feet
- Soil Moisture: Moist to moderately dry once established
Berry Production
Spicebush has separate male and female plants. A male and female plant are needed for berry production, and seedling sex cannot be determined until plants mature. Planting several seedlings can improve the chance of having both sexes.
What You'll Receive
Potted plants in your selected size. Mature shrubs shown in photos are significantly larger than the plants that ship.
Arrival Support
Unpack promptly after delivery. If there is a problem with your order on arrival, contact us within 24 hours and include clear photos so we can help.
Explore related products: Native North American selections
Shipping
Orders generally ship within 1 business day. Preorders and seasonal items ship according to the timing listed in the product description or selected option. Extreme heat or cold may delay shipment.
Plants are carefully packed and shipped from Maryland. Shipping is subject to weather conditions and agricultural restrictions at the destination.
California shipping: Plants ship bare-root only, with all soil and growing media removed, when suitable for the plant and season. Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability and destination requirements.
We cannot ship plants in soil to Alabama, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, or Mississippi. Bare-root plants may be shipped to these states, subject to applicable agricultural restrictions.
Shipping temperatures: The ideal temperature range for shipping plants is 40°F–85°F. Outside this range, plants can freeze or overheat in transit, whether near your destination or along the shipping route. Temperature extremes are the leading cause of plant losses during shipping. We take precautions on our end, but if you expect extreme heat or cold in your area, please ask us to hold your shipment until conditions improve.