Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

native


Other Names:
Wild Allspice, Benjamin Bush


Spicebush is a common native shrub found throughout Virginia. It is the favorite plant of the Spicebush Swallowtail and the Promethea Silkmoth (sometimes called the Spicebush Silkmoth). It is popular with numerous species of birds, and many animals feed on the leaves, twigs, and berries. Spicebush does not have commercial applications, but it has been used to alleviate various medical conditions. The leaves are aromatic when crushed. Early land surveyors looked for spicebush, because they thought it indicated that land would be good for agriculture.

Identification Tools

Illinois Wildflowers Missouri Botanical Garden Go Botany

Ranges

North America Virginia

Spicebush
Spicebush leaves

Spicebush
Spicebush in bloom

Spicebush
Spicebush branches in bloom in the spring

Spicebush
Spicebush branches in bloom

Spicebush
Spicebush flower clusters on a branch

Spicebush
Spicebush flower clusters

Return to the Index