Spicebush

A fragrant native woodland shrub with bright yellow spring blooms, aromatic leaves, and vibrant red berries loved by birds. Spicebush thrives in shade or part sun, attracts pollinators, and is essential for healthy forest ecosystems. Perfect for naturalized borders, shade gardens, wildlife habitats, and restoration projects. Fragrant Leaves & Twigs — clean, spicy citrus scent when crushed Early Spring Blooms — clusters of yellow flowers that feed early pollinators Host Plant — required food plan

Plant typeNative Plant

Out of season — ordering reopens in November.

Browse varieties and plan your planting now. Product pages remain available year-round.

CA$9.00from · CAD

Ordering reopens in November

Quantity

Spicebush—

CA$9.00

CA$9.00from · CAD

Ordering reopens in November

Quantity

Spicebush—

CA$9.00

What do the plant forms mean?

Pot-ready — Established in a nursery pot with soil, so the planting window is flexible — hold it happily for weeks before it goes in the ground.

Why buy from Little Tree Farm?

Locally grown in Nova Scotia
Climate ready & hardy
Carefully packed for safe delivery
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Product details

About Spicebush

Spicebush ( Lindera benzoin ) is one of the most valuable native shrubs for Eastern North American landscapes. With its aromatic leaves, bright yellow early spring flowers, and striking red berries, this shrub creates year-round beauty while supporting dozens of native species. POT READY - Pot-Ready plants are young and eager to grow! These smaller plants are best started in a suitably sized pot or garden bed for their first year A true woodland specialist, Spicebush thrives in shaded or partially shaded sites, making it perfect for forest edges, understory plantings, and wildlife gardens. Even in low-light conditions, it delivers fragrance, color, habitat, and ecological richness. Why Choose Spicebush • Essential native species for healthy forest ecosystems • Fragrant leaves with a spicy citrus scent • Blooms very early in spring, feeding emerging pollinators • Host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly • Red berries beloved by birds and wildlife • Thrives in shade where many shrubs fail • Excellent for naturalized or woodland landscapes • Pest-resistant and low maintenance Quick Facts Feature Details Botanical Name Lindera benzoin Hardiness Zone 4–9 Height 6–12 ft Spread 6–10 ft Growth Rate Moderate Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade Soil Moist, rich, well-drained woodland soil Wildlife Value Extremely high Bloom Color Yellow Fall Color Gold Fruit Red berries (female plants) Planting & Care Spicebush grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil and partial shade, though it adapts well to a range of woodland conditions. Plant in early spring or fall, mulch well, and water during the first season. Once established, it becomes low maintenance and thrives on its own. Ideal Uses • Woodland gardens • Pollinator gardens • Native restoration projects • Shade borders • Bird-friendly landscapes • Moist, shaded naturalized areas FAQ SECTION Does Spicebush grow in shade? Yes — it thrives in partial to full shade and is ideal for woodland areas. Does it attract pollinators? Absolutely. Spicebush is one of the earliest blooming native shrubs and provides crucial food for early spring pollinators. Does Spicebush produce berries? Female plants produce bright red berries in late summer and fall. If you want fruit, plant at least one male nearby. Is Spicebush deer resistant? It has moderate deer resistance, but young plants may need protection. What wildlife does it support? It is the host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly and provides berries for birds. Does it require full sun? No — it performs best in part shade or full shade. SPECIFICATIONS TABLE Attribute Value Botanical Name Lindera benzoin Mature Height 6–12 ft Mature Spread 6–10 ft Growth Form Multi-stem deciduous shrub Light Part Shade – Full Shade Soil Moist, rich, well-drained Water Moderate Hardiness Zone 4–9 Flowering Early spring yellow blooms Fruit Red drupes (female plants) Wildlife Value Exceptional

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CA$11.00from · CAD

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Spicebush

About Spicebush

Designed To Thrive Where You Live

Plants that grow well together

Plants that grow well together