A lovely harbinger of spring, Lindera benzoin (Spice Bush) is a medium to tall, multi-stemmed, rounded, deciduous shrub noted for its early flowers, red berries, and excellent fall color. Its graceful, slender branches are studded with dense umbel-like clusters of sweetly fragrant, tiny, pale yellow flowers in early-mid spring. Blooming before the leaves unfurl, the blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Spice Bush is dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. The female flowers are followed by bright glossy red berries which mature in fall and are attractive to birds and small mammals. The foliage of thick, obovate, pale green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), warms up to golden-yellow in fall. Both the fruit and foliage are aromatic, emitting a spicy fragrance when bruised. Fast-growing, easy to grow, this eastern North American native is a fine choice for moist, shady places or naturalizing.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall and wide (180-360 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, slightly acid, medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade as well as a wide range of soils, including clay and wet soils. Best flower production and fall color are obtained in full sun.
• No serious pest and disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Perfect for mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, rain gardens or along ponds or streams.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to eastern North America.