Lindera benzoin

Northern Spicebush, often called spicebush or wild allspice, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. This species gains its common name from its historical use as a spice by Native Americans and early settlers. All parts of the plant have a distinctive aromatic, citrusy, spicy, and peppery flavor similar to the unrelated allspice, Pimenta dioica. The dried berries make a great seasoning and the leaves work well brewing for a fragrant herbal tea.

Northern Spicebush shrubs typically grow between six and twelve feet high and wide and tend to have a rounded, bushy habit. Yellow flowers typically begin to bloom in late winter or early spring before new leaves emerge, looking somewhat like a Forsythia. This species is dioecious and attractive red berries ripen in late summer on female plants. Northern Spicebush prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and regular moisture.

Cold hardy to USDA zones 5a and above, or to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.