American Spicebush

By Cindy Murphy
Published on April 30, 2008
1 / 4
2 / 4
3 / 4

Only the female shrubs develop berries.
Only the female shrubs develop berries.
4 / 4

Identify American spicebush by its oval, pointed, alternate leaves.
Identify American spicebush by its oval, pointed, alternate leaves.

Winter’s end on the banks of the Black River near South Haven, Michigan, is punctuated with cheerful dots of limey-lemon color. Although most folks today don’t know it, that early spring eruption occurs compliments of the American spicebush – a medium-sized shrub that once lived in the spotlight.

The American spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a native shrub that displays clusters of tiny, greenish-yellow flowers in March and April before its leaves appear. The hardy plant is found in the north from Maine to Michigan and through the South down to Florida and Texas. As an 8-to-12-foot-tall, under-story species, spicebush thrives in the dappled shade of damp woods with rich soils, in ravines, alongside streams and in partially shaded, swampy areas.

This unassuming native often goes unnoticed, but it makes a lovely addition to the home landscape that delivers visual appeal all year. Shortly after the blossoms fade, tiny oblong drupes (berries) develop on the female plants. In fall, when the spicebush’s light green leaves change to a creamy butter yellow, its berries ripen to a brilliant red. The berries are lovely to look at and have the added value of providing food for birds and other wildlife.

But there is much more to the American spicebush’s story than landscape appeal.

Old aromatic

The American spicebush has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses, as its many names would indicate. Lindera benzoin is also known as “spicewood,” “wild allspice,” “fever bush,” “Benjamin Bush” and “snap-wood,” in addition to spicebush. Be sure to request it by its botanical name at the nursery, or you may end up with Calycanthus floridus, Carolina Allspice, or Calycanthus occidentalis, California Spice Bush.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-803-7096