Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Live Bare Root Shrub 18-24 Inches

Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a versatile native deciduous shrub valued for its early spring flowers, aromatic foliage, and bright yellow fall color. Its greenish-yellow blooms appear before the leaves in early spring, providing an early nectar source for pollinators. The glossy green leaves release a spicy fragrance when crushed, adding sensory interest to the garden. In fall, female plants produce bright red berries that are attractive to birds. Spicebush is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, rain gardens, and naturalized areas, where it supports local ecosystems.

This listing offers a live bare root shrub that is 18-24 inches tall, ready to plant and establish in your landscape. Spicebush is adaptable and easy to grow, thriving in average, medium to wet soils. It tolerates full sun to full shade, making it a flexible addition to various garden settings. Whether used as an understory shrub, a hedge, or a specimen plant, Northern Spicebush brings beauty and ecological value to any garden.

Plant Features

• Fragrant, spicy-scented leaves and twigs
• Early spring flowers provide pollinator support
• Bright red berries on female plants in fall
• Golden yellow fall foliage color
• Native shrub that attracts birds and beneficial insects

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Lindera benzoin
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
• Soil: Average, medium to wet, well-drained soil
• Water Requirements: Medium to wet
• Growth Habit: Rounded, spreading
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Season: Early spring
• Mature Height: 6-12 feet
• Spacing: 6-10 feet apart

Planting & Care

Plant your bare root Spicebush as soon as possible after arrival. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. Choose a location that matches its preferred conditions—ideally in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots spread out, place the shrub at the same depth it grew previously, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Once established, Spicebush is relatively low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering if needed to maintain shape or remove dead branches. It is generally pest and disease resistant. In optimal conditions, it will naturalize and provide years of seasonal interest.

What's Included

One (1) live bare root Northern Spicebush shrub, 18-24 inches tall.