How to Grow Spicebush

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

shrub

Spicebush is a deciduous native North American shrub known for its fragrant leaves, twigs, and bright red berries. It produces small yellow flowers in early spring before leafing out and serves as an important food source for native wildlife, particularly swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. The entire plant is aromatic and has been traditionally used for tea and culinary flavoring.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight, 3-6 hours of indirect light; tolerates full shade but produces fewer flowers and berries

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Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Prefers natural precipitation. Water deeply during establishment and drought periods. Mulch to retain moisture.

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Spacing: 60 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; spicebush reaches maturity (flowering and fruiting) at 3-5 years of age

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; bare-root plants at depth where root collar was originally

Soil

Type: Well-draining moist loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Aged leaf litter Mycorrhizal fungi inoculant

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-9, preferring cooler to moderate climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

1-2 years

Young shrub with minimal growth; focuses on root development

Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from stem. Avoid fertilizing. Protect from harsh sun and wind.

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Shrub develops branch structure and foliage; no flowers yet

Prune only to shape or remove dead wood in late winter. Maintain consistent moisture. Remove competing weeds.

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers appear on bare branches in early spring (February-April)

Do not prune during flowering. Flowers appear before leaves emerge. Both male and female plants needed for berry production.

Fruiting

3-4 months

Female plants develop bright red drupe fruits in summer and early fall, ripening in August-September

Ensure at least one male plant nearby for pollination. Fruits attract birds and wildlife. Do not harvest all berries to allow wildlife feeding.

Dormancy

4-5 months

Foliage yellows and drops in fall; branches remain bare through winter

No active care needed. Prune in late winter (February-March) before new growth. Harvest twigs or berries as desired.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Serviceberry Redbud Eastern Hornbeam Woodland Phlox Wild Ginger Mayapple Bleeding Heart Trillium Pagoda Dogwood

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (releases juglone toxin) Shallow-rooted plants competing for moisture

Common Pests

Beneficial presence—do not control; caterpillars are desired
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap if severe
Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season
Hand-pick or use Japanese beetle traps away from plant; avoid pesticides

Uses

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Spiced Tea & Beverages

Culinary

Fresh or dried twigs and berries make aromatic tea with allspice-like flavor. Historically used as a tea substitute during American Revolution. Berries can be dried and used as a spice similar to allspice. [source]

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Culinary Seasoning

Culinary

Dried twigs and berries provide warm, spicy flavor for soups, stews, and beverages. Twigs can infuse dishes with subtle anise and citrus notes. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

Native Americans and early colonists used spicebush for digestive support, fever reduction, and immune health. Contains aromatic volatile oils with antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Butterfly & Bird Support

Wildlife

Essential larval host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies; caterpillars feed exclusively on Lindera species. Red berries provide crucial fall and winter food for migratory birds and wildlife. [source]

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Natural Fragrance & Perfumery

Household

Dried twigs provide pleasant room fragrance when placed in bowls or used in potpourri. Aromatic leaves and twigs historically used in sachets and to scent linen. [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 berries in late August to September when fully red and soft; wear gloves as they stain. Harvest twigs and leaves year-round, preferably in summer when fragrance is strongest. Cut small branches (¼ inch diameter or less) for drying. Dry in bundles in a cool, dark location. Do not over-harvest; leave portions for wildlife.

Fun Facts

🌱 Spicebush is the only larval host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio glaucus) in many regions, making it invaluable for butterfly conservation.
🌱 The entire plant—leaves, twigs, berries, and bark—is aromatic and fragrant; crushing a leaf releases a spicy, citrusy aroma reminiscent of allspice and lemon.
🌱 During the American Revolution, colonists used spicebush as a tea substitute called 'fever bush tea,' and it remains popular in Appalachian folk traditions as 'spice tea'.

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