- Partial Shade (3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 10 Feet
- Mature Spread 6 - 10 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Native to the United States, the Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is an attractive shrub that blooms in the spring with chartreuse-lemon flowers before the arrival of its vibrant green oval leaves. These blooms attract a variety of pollinators and develop into shiny cherry red berries, attracting birds and turning your garden into a haven for wildlife. In the fall, the leaves of the Northern Spicebush turn bright yellow, and after they drop, the red berries continue to provide interest. This shrub gets its name from the spicy aroma produced by the plant's stems and leaves, noticeable when pruning or rubbing the leaves.
The Northern Spicebush grows in an oval, upright habit. At 6-10 feet tall and wide, the Northern Spicebush can be used as a screen or hedge. This shrub is both low maintenance and deer resistant, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens. The Northern Spicebush is a dioecious plant, meaning that male and female flowers are located on separate plants – a male plant should be planted with a female plant in order to achieve berry production.
Northern Spicebush Care
To plant the Northern Spicebush, dig a hole that is twice the width and as deep as the root ball. While this shrub will grow easily in a variety of conditions, it will do best in average-to-moist, well-draining soil. The Northern Spicebush can grow in shade to sun, but will maintain a tighter shape in more light. This plant does not tolerate drying out, so plant it in a partially shaded area in warmer climates. Fertilize the Northern Spicebush with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring.
To maintain the Northern Spicebush’s shape, light pruning can be done in the spring once the plant has finished blooming. As a native plant, it is best to allow the Northern Spicebush plenty of room to grow to its natural size, which in turn will make it a lower-maintenance plant. As this native plant is a host to butterflies such as the black and blue spicebush swallowtail, take care to avoid using chemicals and allow caterpillars to feed.
Northern Spicebush Spacing
Plant the Northern Spicebush at least 10 feet away from other plants and structures to allow it plenty of room to grow and spread. Place shrubs slightly closer together to create a tight hedge.
Northern Spicebush Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade (3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 10 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 10 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 10 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: Deep Green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Low |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Northern Spicebush |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Lindera benzoin |
- SKU:
- 1231003448-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
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Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.