Spicebush is a deciduous shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae). It is native to central and eastern United States and is found in bottomlands, dry forests, ravines, valleys, swamps and along streams. The genus name refers to Johann Linder (1676–1723), a Swedish botanist and physician. The specific epithet is an Arabic word for aromatic gum. The easy-to-grow shrub prefers moist, well-drained soils in part shade. More watering is required if grown in full sun. The broad, rounded shape is less dense and spreads more in heavy shade. On average, it grows 6 to 12’ tall and wide. A male plant is needed to pollinate the female plant. Propagation is by seeds or softwood cuttings. Aromatic axillary clusters of tiny, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in early spring before the foliage emerges. When pollinated, the female shrub produces attractive, bright red drupes with a peppery taste and scent. They are more visible after the foliage drops. The crushed leaves have a spicy fragrance and showy yellow fall color. Pollinators feed on the nectar, some butterfly larvae chew on the leaves, and birds eat the fruit. The essential oil of the young leaves and twigs can be used in teas. Plant the Spicebush in shrub borders, pollinator gardens, native gardens, woodlands, and rain gardens. Grow in shaded areas and moist areas along streams or ponds. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. This plant is susceptible to laurel wilt.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Oblong; Obovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf value
Fragrant
Leaf size
3-6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The Spice bush has thick, alternate, oblong-obovate, light green leaves (to 5" long) turn an attractive yellow in autumn. Leaves are aromatic (spicy fragrance) when crushed.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower detail
The Spice bush has clusters of tiny, apetalous, aromatic, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom along the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges (March-April). It has dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), with the male flowers being larger and showier than the female ones. The flowers of female plants give way to bright red drupes. Female plants need a male pollinator in order to set fruit (scarlet red), however. It's drupes are very attractive, but are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Drupe
Fruit value
Edible; Fragrant
Fruit size
< 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
A drupe, scarlet red spicy scented fruit in late Summer/early Fall (August-September) 1/2' wide.
Bark color
Light Brown; Light Gray
Stem detail
Has a spicy fragrance
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
South East Canada to Central & Eastern U.S.A
Wildlife value
This plant supports Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) larvae which has two flights from March-December with a partial 3rd flight in the South. The adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers like sweet pepperbush, thistles, blue flag, and azalea. This plant also supports Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) larvae which have 2 generations per year from April-October. Adult Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies feed on nectar from Japanese honeysuckle, jewelweed, thistles, milkweed, azalea, dogbane, lantana, mimosa, and sweet pepperbush. Also a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, especially during fall migration. White-tailed deer will browse twigs and leaves.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Essential oils from this plants leaves, twigs, and fruits, have been used in teas. The fragrant fruits are sometimes dried and used in sachets. Native Americans have been known to use the dried fruits of this plant as a spice, and the leaves of this plant for tea.