The spicebush gets its name for the wonderful aroma emitted when leaves or stems are crushed. This shrub is dioecious, meaning each individual plant is male or female. A grouping of female plants will need a male pollinator nearby. Supports many beneficial insects and butterflies. Birds eat and disperse seeds. Great for moist or wet naturalized areas.

Height : 3-12 feet Spread : 3-12 feet

Light : Full sun to part shade Water : Medium to wet

Soil : Sand, loam, clay Zone : 4-8

Leaves : Medium to light green leaves turn to pale yellow in the fall

Stem : Greenish-tan with light colored lenticels. Mature bark is dark brown

Flower : Dioecious with male flowers larger and showier. Bright yellow flower clusters appear in early spring

Fruit : Female plant produces bright red drupes. Hidden until leaves drop for the fall

Habit : Deciduous shrub with broad, rounded form

Key Pollinators : Carpenter bees, small sweat bees

Pollinator Food Source: Nectar & pollen

Larval Host Plant : Spicebush swallowtail butterfly, promethea moth, cynthia moth & more