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Jenny's Garden
Lindera benzoin
(Benjamin Bush, Northern Spice Bush, Spicebush)
(Benjamin Bush, Northern Spice Bush, Spicebush)
Origin: Native to eastern USA
Family: Lauraceae
Light: Part-full shade
Height: 6-15'
Spacing: 8-12'
Blooms: Bright yellow, clusters, on bare branches before leaves appear, early Spring
Foliage: Aromatic, deciduous, ovate, alternate
Fruits: Spice-scented, red berries (Female plant only), with large seed inside
Soil: Well-drained, moist, highly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline
Water: Moderate
Uses: Herb, seasoning, potpourri, beverage, jelly, butterfly garden, bird garden, mass plant, understory, woodland setting
Propagation: Offsets, simple/tip layering, seeds
Comments: Lindera benzoin or Benjamin Bush or Northern Spice Bush or Spicebush is a medium flowering shrub or small tree with an upright growth habit. It is a native of eastern USA. In early Spring, Lindera benzoin produces bright yellow blossoms, borne on bare stems. It has deciduous green foliage. Butterflies and bees are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers while birds enjoy feasting on the fruits in the Fall. Benjamin Bush has deciduous, aromatic foliage; when crushed, it has a spicy scent to it. Northern Spicebush is easily propagated from seeds, layering or from offsets. It thrives best in well-drained, moist, rich, highly acidic or alkaline soil in a sunny environment. Lindera benzoin is low maintenance. Mass plant in a woodland setting for a delightful display. Grow Spicebush as an understory tree. Northern Spicebush swallowtail and Promethea silkmoth caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant. In its native habitat, Benjamin Bush can be found growing as understory plants in moist woodlands. This is an ideal shrub for smaller gardens. Northern Spicebush berries make delicious jelly. When crushes, the fresh berries can be used as black pepper, as a beverage or as a seasoning for soups and meats.
USDA Zones: 4-9
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Lindera benzoin (Benjamin Bush, Northern Spice Bush, Spicebush) growing in Jenny's Garden
