Spice Bush

The Spicebush is a fascinating native American plant, that as its name suggests, has a spicy aroma if the leaves are crushed. It has pretty yellow flowers on the bare twigs in early spring, followed by clusters of red berries that are also spicy and can be used in cooking. In fall the leaves turn a lovely rich, warm-yellow color. The Spicebush makes an attractive small to medium-sized shrub for planting among larger trees and other shrubs in a woodland garden. As it will grow in partial shade and is deer-resistant, it is a great choice for a garden with mature trees, alongside other shade-loving shrubs and small trees.

• Easily-grown native shrub
• Attractive yellow flowers and red berries
• Useful herb for flavoring
• Grows well in shady areas
• Deer-resistant

The Spicebush is also an important plant for attracting native wildlife, since it is the host plant for swallowtail butterflies. Easy to grow, undemanding and low-maintenance, this is the ideal shrub for those shady, informal parts of your garden.