Lindera benzoin - Northern Spice Bush
DESCRIPTION
Northern Spice Bush
Lindera benzoin
Every American Beauties garden should have a home for a plant this versatile and this easy to grow. Oval and upright, Spicebush is a perfect plant for grouping as a backdrop or screen in any garden in almost any location since it tolerates shadier, moist conditions without missing a beat. Tiny yellow-green flowers emerge before this plant's pungent foliage develops, providing early season nectar to native bees and butterflies. Deep green leaves provide great summer cover for birds but it's this plant's red berries that have birds coming from far and wide to snack on, whether they are local natives or migratory birds passing through. Showy yellow fall foliage color will really stand out in the garden.
BENEFITS
- Versatile and easy to grow
- Oval and upright
- Tiny, yellow-green flowers attracts bees and butterflies
- Deep green leaves
- Red berries attract birds
- Showy yellow foliage color in fall
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
It is a shrub that thrives in the understory of our moist eastern woodlands. More importantly, it is the larval food source for the Spicebush Swallowtail, (Papilio troilus Linnaeus).
GROWING TIPS
Grows well in average to moist soils. A great option for the shaded landscape. Although it will bloom in a shaded landscape, a bit of sun will produce a nicer form and more fruits.
Mature Size: 6-10'T x 6-10'
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade
VIDEO
Coming Soon!Choosing the Right Plants
American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download