PlantsHerbs & Teas
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Aromatic woodland shrub and swallowtail host
EasyHerbs & TeasAlso Shrubs & VinesAlso Shade & GroundcoversEdible
- Light
- Part shade–shade
- Moisture
- Medium–moist
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft
- Spacing
- 6–10 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers Mar–Apr; red fruit Sep
- How it spreads
- Upright shrub
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
At least one male and one female plant are needed for fruit.
If you eat it
Leaves/twigs used as spicebush tea; berries used as spice
Use only positively identified, clean material
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
