Description

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Local Ecotype (Maryland Piedmont)

An often a multi-stemmed (but sometimes single-stemmed) shrub that reaches up to 12-15 feet tall. This survived many years of very heavy deer pressure, although only trees in partial to full sun were able to grow to a mature height. It has a strong allspice-like fragrance that I can smell just brushing against a shrub.

Here it grows best in shade to full sun and mesic to moist conditions. It appears most densely in wet woodlands, but produces more fruit with more sun.

The fruit (a drupe) is bright red and much loved by birds. Spicebush is also a host for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail.

Germination: brief, warm stratify followed by winter sowing or cold stratification for at least 120 days

Learn more at: iNaturalist and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

10 seeds per packet, collected in autumn 2025

NOTE: The seeds are currently stratifying as they cannot be dried. I will let you know how to complete the process (if needed) when they ship.