Species Spotlight: Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Lindera benzoin is a shrub in the Laurel Family, the same family as the plants that produce cinnamon and bay leaves. Like its familiar relatives, spicebush is highly aromatic, with leaves historically dried and used for tea. Spicebush blooms in early spring, and their small red fruits are strongly scented and beloved by birds. You can find the shrub growing in the understory of forests across the eastern and central states. If you are uncertain of your identification, a quick sniff of the peppery plant will quickly confirm it.

Posted on 27 de maio de 2020, 08:59 PM by thenatureinstitute