Size: 18-24”
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a native deciduous shrub of the Midwest, thriving in moist woodlands and swampy areas. Named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, often compared to allspice with a lemony aroma. It adds early-season color with subtle yellow blooms in spring. Bright red fruits appear on female plants from July through October, becoming especially showy after the leaves drop. The aromatic leaves and twigs can be brewed into tea. Its berries, rich in fat, attract birds such as Wood Thrush and Veery, while butterflies and moths like the spicebush swallowtail, promethea moth, and tulip tree beauty use it as a host plant.
Requirements:
Light: Partial Shade, Sun (prefers to grow in part to full shade)
Soil: Moist, well-drained (can grow in all types though)
Key Features:
Bloom Period: Flowers in spring, fruits in summer - fall
Mature Size: 6 to 12 feet, but can reach up to 15 feet
Wildlife Value: Feeds many birds and pollinators, favored by wood thrush and veery.
Edible Leaves: A tea can be made from its leaves and stems
Plant Care:
Spicebush is relatively easy to grow in most environments. It grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun with adequate soil moisture. The fibrous root system makes it difficult to transplant. Since it blooms on old wood, prune soon after flowering.
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*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
Size: 18-24”
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a native deciduous shrub of the Midwest, thriving in moist woodlands and swampy areas. Named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, often compared to allspice with a lemony aroma. It adds early-season color with subtle yellow blooms in spring. Bright red fruits appear on female plants from July through October, becoming especially showy after the leaves drop. The aromatic leaves and twigs can be brewed into tea. Its berries, rich in fat, attract birds such as Wood Thrush and Veery, while butterflies and moths like the spicebush swallowtail, promethea moth, and tulip tree beauty use it as a host plant.
Requirements:
Light: Partial Shade, Sun (prefers to grow in part to full shade)
Soil: Moist, well-drained (can grow in all types though)
Key Features:
Bloom Period: Flowers in spring, fruits in summer - fall
Mature Size: 6 to 12 feet, but can reach up to 15 feet
Wildlife Value: Feeds many birds and pollinators, favored by wood thrush and veery.
Edible Leaves: A tea can be made from its leaves and stems
Plant Care:
Spicebush is relatively easy to grow in most environments. It grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun with adequate soil moisture. The fibrous root system makes it difficult to transplant. Since it blooms on old wood, prune soon after flowering.
———————————————————
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
