Description
There are so many reasons to grow spicebush (Lindera benzoin)! With its showy, yellow spring blooms, this deciduous shrub is an excellent native alternative to the ubiquitous forsythia, with the extra benefit of being somewhat fragrant. On female plants, the flowers mature into oblong, single-seeded fruits that are green in summer, ripening to a glossy, bright red in early fall. And on both males and females, the leaves turn yellow in fall, extending the show. The foliage is valuable as a larval host for several butterflies, including eastern tiger swallowtail and spicebush swallowtail, and the flesh of the fruits is rich in fats, providing a welcome source of energy for migrating birds. The aromatic twigs, leaves, and fruits are also valued by foragers for their flavor (hence the common name spicebush, or wild allspice). Spicebush generally grows 6 to 12 feet tall and wide. Native to much of the eastern half of North America; these seeds are from wild plants in my hedgerow in Bucks County, PA. Full sun to full shade; average to moist soil. Zones 4 to 9.
2022-collected seeds sold out. I hope to collect again in early to mid September 2023. At least 8 seeds. These seeds have been cleaned and stored warm and moist. PA ecotype.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Brian (verified owner) –
Great germ after winter sowing!