Spice Bush - Lindera benzoin

Conspicuous during the spring when the flowers bloom, spicebush is one of the first shrubs to bloom in wooded areas. It can be readily identified by the spicy aroma of its crushed leaves and branchlets. During the fall, Spicebush leaves turn yellow and its fleshy, long berries become brilliant red. The flowers are cross-pollinated by various insects, particularly small bees and various flies. It is the host plant of the Spicebush Swallowtail, a caterpillar mimicking a tree snake with eye markings. Spicebush is also host plant for the Promethea Moth, Tiger Swallowtail and Tulip Tree Beauty and others. Its fruits are eaten occasionally by native Sparrows, Woodpeckers, Wrens and others that help to distribute seeds. Some Sun yields more berries and a more compact growth pattern; in full shade, it becomes more open and wide-spreading. Male & female shrubs both produce flowers. Our plants are unsexed, so get a couple. Soil Type: Loam with organic matter Soil Conditions: Wet-Average Flower Color: Yellow Flower Time: April Height: 5-15' Light: Sun-Shade Features: Birds, Rain Garden, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photos courtesy of Illinoiswildflowers.info