Spicebush | The Morton Arboretum

Spicebush, named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, is native to moist woodlands in the Midwest and occasionally found in the Chicago area. It is most often used in shrub borders and naturalizing landscaping. Bright red fruits ripen from July through October on female plants, but are only showy once the foliage falls off. High in fat content in the berries are quickly eaten by various species of birds.

This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

Family (English) Laurel
Family (botanic) Lauraceae
Tree or plant type Shrub
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Size range Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
Tolerances Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
Season of interest early spring, early fall
Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, Yellow
Shape or form Multi-stemmed, Open, Round
Growth rate Moderate, Slow

Size and form:

Spicebush matures to 6 to 12 feet high and wide with an open, rounded habit.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to eastern North America and found in moist locations in bottomlands, woods, ravines, valleys, and along streams. C-Value: 7

Attracts birds & butterflies:

High-energy fruit attracts many birds. Flowers are a favorite of many butterflies, and the larvae (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves.

Bark color and texture:

Stems are a greenish-tan with light colored lenticels. Mature bark is dark brown with a hint of green.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

The thick, oblong, light green leaves are 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide, pointed at both ends with slightly wavy margins. Leaves remain green long into fall, but turn an attractive yellow in late autumn. Leaves are aromatic when crushed.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Dioecious male and female flowers are on separate plants. Bright yellow flower clusters appear before the leaves in early spring. Male flowers are larger and showier than the female flowers.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

A male pollinator is needed in order to set fruit on the female plant. Female plants produce 1/2 inch long clusters of bright red fruits (drupes), which mature in fall. The drupes are showy, but hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. This high energy fruit is a favorite for many birds.