Fauna
Plant

Northern Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Also known as Spicebush, Wild Allspice, Benjamin Bush, Common Spicebush

Northern spicebush fills the forest understory with dense clusters of tiny, fragrant yellow flowers in early spring before its leaves emerge. The smooth foliage and young twigs emit a rich citrus and spice aroma when crushed, serving as a primary host plant for spicebush swallowtail caterpillars. In late summer, female plants mature bright scarlet berries that provide a nutrient-rich energy source for migrating songbirds.

AromaticDeciduousNative Plant
Northern Spicebush reference1 / 6
(c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandy Wolkenberg · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillars
  • Frugivorous Birds
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, invasive species competition, excessive deer browsing
HabitatsMoist hardwood forests, rich bottomlands, stream banks, wetland margins
Life span20–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderLaurales
  2. FamilyLauraceae
  3. GenusLindera
  4. SpeciesLindera benzoin
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fruit based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Scratch and Sniff: Gently rub a green twig or leaf to release the signature citrus-spice aroma.
  • Look for Caterpillars: Search folded leaf tents during summer for green spicebush swallowtail larvae.
  • Plant in Pairs: Keep both male and female plants nearby to ensure female shrubs produce scarlet autumn fruit.
Related species
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