Description
Spicebush is an easily grown, broad rounded shrub. Grows best in moist areas, bottomlands, woods, and ravines. Small green-yellow flowers appear in early spring, before its foliage emerges. Spicebush is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate plants. Berries of the female plant have a flavor resembling allspice, which was used historically as a seasoning. Tea was also made from its leaves and twigs. The fragrance of the leaves is a light, citrus scent that can be smelled throughout the landscape. Spicebush would make a great specimen plant near the house for its scent, and bright yellow fall color. This is the host plant to the elegant Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (pictured above in both of its forms). Its caterpillar is one of the most unique out there, almost resembling a snake. It has large realistic “false eyespots”, complete with a false reflection, to ward off predators. Tolerates deer, drought, heavy shade, and clay.
