Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a structural shrub with yellow blooms in early spring, red drupes from late summer into fall, and good yellow fall color. They prefer moist to mesic soil in part sun to shade, growing to be over 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide. They are a good structural plant for slopes of larger, shaded plantings. Underplanting species include Rosy Sedge (Carex rosea) and Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina).
Maintenance
Prune after flowering in spring to maintain height and shape. Remove any dead or diseased wood.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun,
Shade Moisture Requirements
Slopes Soil Requirements
Loam,
Organically Rich Soil Height
Medium,
Tall,
Very Tall Spacing
4 to 7 feet Category
Structural Attracts
Bees,
Birds Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
March,
April Bloom Color
Yellow Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5