Spicebush

About this plant

The Lindera benzoin, commonly known as Spicebush, is an exquisite native shrub that brings an array of sensory delights to any landscape. In early spring, before its leaves emerge, it's adorned with clusters of tiny, fragrant yellow flowers that perfume the air and provide a crucial early food source for pollinators. Throughout summer, its attractive, oblong green leaves provide a lush backdrop, turning a spectacular golden-yellow in autumn. Female plants, when pollinated, will showcase bright red, berry-like drupes that persist into winter, offering a feast for birds and adding vibrant color to the dormant landscape. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Spicebush is a keystone species, serving as the exclusive host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a perfect choice for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, or as an understory planting.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Spicebush is remarkably adaptable and low-maintenance once established. It prefers rich, well-draining soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. Pruning is generally not necessary, but can be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or straggly branches, or to maintain shape.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.