Deciduous shrub · Early spring bloom · Wildlife habitat
Growing conditions
Sun: Full shade to full sun; prefers part shade and requires consistent moisture in full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Plant details
Size: ~6–12 ft tall × 6–12 ft wide
Blooms: Early spring
Fruit: Glossy red fruit on pollinated female plants
Fall color: Yellow
Deer resistance: Moderate
Why we love it
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Small yellow flowers appear along the stems in early spring, making Spicebush a beautiful native alternative to Forsythia
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Golden fall foliage brings rich color to shaded areas
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Its broad, rounded form works well in woodland gardens, informal hedges, and foundation plantings
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Its leaves and twigs release a distinctive spicy fragrance when crushed
Why wildlife loves it
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An important larval host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly and Promethea silkmoth
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High-fat red fruit provides valuable fuel for songbirds
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Early flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects emerging in spring
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Dense branching offers shelter and cover for birds and other wildlife
Fun to see
Look for a folded leaf held together with silk. A Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar may be hiding inside, sheltered from predators while it rests.
A note about fruit
Spicebush has separate male and female plants, and only pollinated female plants produce fruit. Because these are young, seed-grown plants, their sex cannot yet be identified. Plants are sold unsexed, so fruit production cannot be guaranteed. Planting several increases the likelihood of having both a male and a female.
What to expect at pickup
Ground covers and ferns are sold as young, well rooted plugs. Shrubs are sold in 1 gallon containers.
Because this is a fall collection, some plants may have limited foliage or may be beginning to enter dormancy at pickup. This is a normal seasonal change. Their roots are healthy and ready to establish after planting.
Before you order
All orders are for pickup at the Montclair Farmers Market.
• Choose your pickup Saturday at checkout
• Orders must be picked up on that date
• Plants are living and may vary in appearance
• All sales are final once plants are picked up
• Please check your plants at pickup — we can only address issues at that time
