Lindera benzoin

$26.00
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Lindera benzoin | spicebush

Those who spend time in nature know that spicebush is the sweetheart of New England woodlands. She (or he—spicebush is dioecious, so each shrub is either male or female) has a presence in the landscape that far exceeds any of its specific traits. Naturally occurring in moist forests, spicebush produces fairly inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring that are one of the earliest sources of pollen and nectar for our native pollinators. In summer, this unassuming shrub blends into the green forest mosaic, but tear a leaf in half and the spicy fragrance makes this species unmistakable. In fall, the leaves turns a clear yellow, lighting up roadsides and woodland edges with a haunting glow. Female plants produce red berries; if fruit set is desired a few shrubs should be planted together to ensure both sexes are present for pollination. This species grows well in full shade, but produces the most fruit and best displays of fall color in sunnier spots—just make sure soils are moist if planting this shrub in areas with lots of sun. This charming native shrub is a host plant for caterpillars of Spicebush swallowtails and Promethea moths. Moderate to slow growth rate, eventually reaching 6-12 feet tall and wide. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Our shrubs are sold unsexed.

1 gallon

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Lindera benzoin | spicebush

Those who spend time in nature know that spicebush is the sweetheart of New England woodlands. She (or he—spicebush is dioecious, so each shrub is either male or female) has a presence in the landscape that far exceeds any of its specific traits. Naturally occurring in moist forests, spicebush produces fairly inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring that are one of the earliest sources of pollen and nectar for our native pollinators. In summer, this unassuming shrub blends into the green forest mosaic, but tear a leaf in half and the spicy fragrance makes this species unmistakable. In fall, the leaves turns a clear yellow, lighting up roadsides and woodland edges with a haunting glow. Female plants produce red berries; if fruit set is desired a few shrubs should be planted together to ensure both sexes are present for pollination. This species grows well in full shade, but produces the most fruit and best displays of fall color in sunnier spots—just make sure soils are moist if planting this shrub in areas with lots of sun. This charming native shrub is a host plant for caterpillars of Spicebush swallowtails and Promethea moths. Moderate to slow growth rate, eventually reaching 6-12 feet tall and wide. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Our shrubs are sold unsexed.

1 gallon

The conservation-grade shrubs offered by our nursery are produced by a regional grower with decades of experience growing plants for conservation and restoration. These shrubs are seed propagated from wild seeds collected within ecoregion 59 (Northeastern Coastal Zone) and are regionally-adapted to growing in our area. They are genetically diverse, maintaining the same characteristics of plants growing in the wild.