How to Grow Spicebush
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Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
shrubSpicebush is a native North American deciduous shrub known for its aromatic leaves, stems, and berries that smell of citrus and spice when crushed. It produces small yellow flowers in early spring before leaves emerge, followed by bright red berries in fall. This wildlife-friendly plant is important for native pollinators and birds.
When should you plant Spicebush in your zone?
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Example Spicebush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spicebush
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Spicebush
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spicebush dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Spicebush timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung plants with tender stems and small leaves; very vulnerable to drought and competition.
Provide consistent moisture, apply 2-3 inches of mulch, protect from direct afternoon sun in hot climates, stake if needed to prevent damage.
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-4Plant develops branch structure and increases in size; leaves are aromatic and alternate along stems.
Continue consistent watering; prune only to shape or remove dead wood in late winter; fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
2-3 weeks in early springSmall, fragrant yellow flowers appear on bare branches in early spring (March-April in northern regions).
No special care needed; flowers appear before leaf emergence; this is when native bees pollinate.
Fruiting
August through NovemberSmall bright red berries develop on female plants by late summer and persist into fall.
Plant both male and female plants for consistent berry production; berries attract migrating songbirds and provide fall color.
Dormancy
November through FebruaryPlant loses all leaves in fall; branches remain visible and are aromatic when scratched.
Minimal care; prune dead or crossing branches in late winter when plant is dormant; do not prune in fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick beetles in early morning, apply neem oil if infestation is severe, use pheromone traps away from the plant
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Larvae cause skeletonized leaves; prune infested branches, use insecticidal soap on young larvae, encourage natural predators
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More common in dry conditions; increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil if severe
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Ensure good air circulation, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if widespread
Uses
Spicy Tea & Seasoning
CulinarySpicebush leaves, twigs, and berries create a warm, citrus-spiced tea and can be used as a native substitute for allspice or black pepper in cooking. Crushed berries add flavor to soups, marinades, and desserts. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNative Americans and early colonists used spicebush to make a warming tea for colds, fevers, and rheumatism. The plant contains aromatic oils with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Food
WildlifeEarly spring flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when few other nectar sources exist. Red berries are consumed by migrating songbirds and small mammals in fall. [source]
Aromatic Crafts & Potpourri
CraftDried leaves and berries retain their spicy citrus scent indefinitely and are excellent for potpourri, sachets, and herbal crafts. Fresh twigs can be used in arrangements. [source]
Natural Fragrance & Cleaner
HouseholdCrushed spicebush leaves release a powerful aromatic scent; dried leaves can freshen closets and drawers. Infusions may be used in natural cleaning products for their pleasant fragrance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves and twigs anytime during the growing season for fresh use; cut stems are aromatic year-round. For berries, harvest in fall (September-October) when fully red and ripe. Berries can be dried whole or crushed for use. For maximum aroma, harvest leaves after they have fully emerged in spring. Leave some berries on plant for wildlife.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spicebush was used by colonists and Native Americans as a substitute for allspice and black pepper, earning it the common name 'Americanized allspice.' Early settlers brewed the twigs into a warming beverage called 'spicebush tea'.
- 🌱 The plant is the exclusive larval host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly, making it essential for this beautiful butterfly's survival—planting spicebush directly supports native butterfly populations.
- 🌱 Both male and female plants are needed for berry production, as spicebush is dioecious. Only the female plants produce the ornamental red berries, making them particularly valuable for fall color and wildlife food.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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