Northern Spice Bush - Lindera benzoin

Northern Spice Bush is a deciduous shrub with aromatic green leaves, clusters of small yellow flowers, and red berries. It often attracts wildlife and provides a splash of color in woodland areas. When thoughtfully integrated into landscaping designs, it brings many benefits, making it a valuable and ecologically significant addition to outdoor spaces.

It is popular with gardeners and landscapers because of its pleasant scent. It's often referred to as the wild allspice. Its botanical name is Lindera Benzoin, and it's part of the Laural or Lauraceae family, which includes the bay laurel, California laurel, cassia, and avocado plants. It's native to eastern North America and can be found in Maine and New York. However, it can also be seen as far south as Florida and southwest into Texas and Arkansas.

The Looks of Northern Spice Bush 

Gardeners revere it for its aromatic leaves and flowers, which have a distinct scent when crushed. This deciduous shrub typically grows up to 15 feet tall and wide but can sometimes reach 20 feet. Gardeners can expect it to develop flowers from March through May and produce red berries from late summer through October. The leaves are green in the summer and change color in the fall. The leaves typically reach lengths of between two and six inches.

Attracting Wildlife with Northern Spice Bush

Gardeners looking to spice up their wildlife viewing opportunities will love planting them. This shrub attracts all birds, bees, and small mammals. The bees are attracted to the flowers, and birds, especially the very wood thrush, are drawn to its berries. This shrub also attracts squirrels and butterflies.

It can grow up to 15 feet high and wide; planting it in open areas is best. It looks best as the focal point of a shade or rain garden or along the perimeter of front and backyards.

Planting and Characteristics of the native shrub

The shrub can be planted next to several perennials, including grape hyacinth and monkshood. Gardeners can plant blue spruce and deep green hemlock next to Lindera Benzoin, and the shrub does well around dogwood and red vein dianthus. The shrub is an excellent plant for most gardens. It thrives next to other trees and shrubs and makes a statement with its signature scent.

It is cultivated for its yellow flowers that bloom early in the spring when most garden plants are still dormant. A plant with red berries and yellow foliage can be used year-round in a garden. 

Height and Uses

 This shrub generally can reach 6 to 12 feet in height and width, so it's perfect for small gardens. It does not require much pruning, which is great for the time-poor. Yes, it does. Birds love it because of the red berries. It is also a plant taken up by butterflies, particularly the Swallowtail, who feed on its larvae. It is ideal for any gardener or wildlife lover looking to establish a pollinator or wild place. 

It is home on moist, well-drained soils and will grow in full sun and partial shade. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. 

Northern Spice Bush is very easy to grow and doesn't require water in the dry season. It also doesn't harbor too many insects or pests, which is great for the beginner gardener.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) thrives in well-drained, moist soil. Prune lightly to preserve shape and release any dead or damaged branches. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It benefits from occasional fertilization in spring.

Plant Reproduction

Northern Spice Bush spreads by seeds dispersed by birds and mammals.

Plant bare-root shrubs during the more excellent spring or fall months, from November through April. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and slightly more profound than its height. Position the shrub so that the top of the roots is level with the ground, and put back the soil dug over the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the shrub's stem. Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Prune shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited to the specific needs of the shrub.

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