Spicebush Plant Care

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Lindera genus. Spicebush is native to eastern North America, growing in the understory in moist, rich woods. Spicebush is also known as Wild Allspice, Benjamin Bush.

Spicebush displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Spicebush produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spicebush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spicebush thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Lindera benzoin tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Spicebush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Spicebush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spicebush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spicebush is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spicebush can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Spicebush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Spicebush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spicebush can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spicebush is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spicebush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spicebush is native to eastern North America, growing in the understory in moist, rich woods. In cooler regions, grow Spicebush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.