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Spicebush

Tagged as: Four Season Landscape, butterfly, Large Deciduous Shrubs, Midwest, native, not favored by deer, Plants for Shady Sites, Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds

Botanical Name:  Lindera benzoin *
Common Name:  Spicebush

Updated 10/2012

 

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spicebush at The Morton Arboretum

spicebush at The Morton Arboretum

spicebush at The Morton Arboretum

Winter form Fall form Fall leaf

 

spicebush at The Morton Arboretum

spicebush at The Morton Arboretum

Fruit
Bark

Height: 6-12' Spread: 6-12'  Habit/Form: Oval to rounded Growth Rate: Slow/Medium   Zone: 4-9

Cultural Requirements: Slow to establish; best in part shade or full sun with adequate moisture; prefers moist well-drained soils to wet conditions; tolerant of dry soil once established.

Ornamental Characteristics: Colony forming in moist conditions; tiny yellow flowers open in mid-March; attractive, bright red fruit on female plants; light green, spicy fragrant leaves and stems; requires male and female plant for fruiting; native in Midwest.

Use in the Landscape: good for shrub border or in natural area

Butterfly Caterpillar/larval Host: Spicebush Swallowtail

Birds Attracted: 17+ species, including flycatcher, catbird, robin, wood thrush, and vireo

Plant Appeal for Birds: High fat content fruits ripen July- October and are quickly eaten by birds

Plant tolerant of flooded areas for extended periods of time.

*Native to the Midwest

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