Shrub
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Features
Small, fragrant, yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge (male and female flowers on separate plants); bright red berries on female plants in late summer and autumn (most showy after leaves fall); autumn color is yellow.
Culture
Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained soils are best, but tolerates wet sites; prefers slightly acid soil.
Cultivars
Mature Height
6-12 Feet
Size
Medium
Mature Width
6-12 Feet
Mature Form
Rounded
Native To:
United Sates (and Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance
Salt
Wet Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Border
Naturalizing
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Additional Notes
Since male and female flowers are on separate plants, both are needed to produce the bright red berries (berries will be produced on female plants only).
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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