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Spicebush – Named for Sweet, Spicy Fragrance

Why Spicebush (Lindera Benzoin)?

Lindera benzoin, also known as spicebush, is a member of the laurel family and originates from the eastern region of North America. Within its native area, it may grow in the understory of damp, lush woodlands, particularly those with limestone. It has a colonial character and commonly reproduces via root sprouting, resulting in clumps or thickets. Many plants that belong to the genus Lindera have common names that include "spicebush," and they could have a similar appearance.

Due to its early spring blooming, it is sometimes called the "forsythia of the wilds" in the North. This is because the early spring flowering lends many lowland woodlands a slight yellow hue.

The female plants have a higher cost of reproduction than their male counterparts; however, in the wild areas, there is a tendency for more males than females in the group.

Early land surveyors relied on spicebush as a reliable source of fertile agricultural land due to the plant's propensity to thrive in dense woodlands. The leaves, buds, and twigs may also brew tea.

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Interactive Excerpt From USDA Plant Guide

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Key Information for Northern Spicebush (18-24 Inches) (Lindera benzoin):

• 📏Size: Spicebush is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) and a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m).
• 🍂Foliage: The foliage of Spicebush is deciduous, with ovate to elliptic leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
• 🌼Flowers & Fruit: In early spring, Spicebush produces small, yellow flowers in clusters along the branches. The flowers are followed by bright red berries that ripen in the fall and persist into winter. Both the flowers and berries are attractive to pollinators and birds.
• ↕️Growth Habit: Spicebush has a rounded, multi-stemmed growth habit with arching branches.
• ☀️Sunlight: Spicebush thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to different light conditions.
• 🪨Soil: Spicebush prefers moist, well-drained soil and is often found in woodland settings.
• 🗺️Hardiness: Spicebush is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
• 🧪pH Level: Spicebush prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
• 🌳Pruning: Pruning of Spicebush should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased branches and prune to shape the plant as needed.
• 🐛Pests & Disease: Spicebush is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Regular care can help maintain a healthy shrub.

Pollination of Northern Spicebush (18-24 Inches) (Lindera benzoin):

Spicebush flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts. The flowers are insect-pollinated and attract early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies. The red berries that follow are eaten by birds, including migratory songbirds. The shrub's spicy-scented leaves, twigs, and berries have been used as a culinary spice and medicinal herb by Native American tribes and early settlers. Spicebush is an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland gardens, and wildlife habitats. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it suitable for smaller gardens and urban environments. The plant's ecological significance includes providing habitat and food for wildlife and supporting pollinators during the early growing season. Conservation efforts aim to protect and promote native species like Spicebush to maintain ecological balance and support the well-being of wildlife populations.

Fertilization

It is generally recommended to wait to fertilize a bare root plant until it has been established in the ground and is actively growing. This can vary depending on the type of plant and the growing conditions, but it is generally best to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after planting.

During the first year, you should focus on providing the plant with the right amount of water, sunlight and soil to help it become established. Once the plant has become established and is actively growing, you can begin to fertilize it.

You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one that is specifically formulated for the type of plant you have. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.

It is also important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants, so it's always best to error on the side of caution and start with a lower amount of fertilizer and increase as needed.

Why Buy From Us?

Welcome to our online bare root plant nursery! We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable bare root trees, nursery plants, and garden plants for sale. We understand the importance of having a beautiful garden, which is why we only offer the highest-quality plants at an affordable price.

Our selection of bare root trees, shrubs, and plants includes a wide variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial flowers, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and more. We carry tree varieties and tree types that are perfect for every type of garden, whether you're looking for fast growing trees, drought-tolerant trees, cold-hardy trees, native trees, or exotic trees.

Our bare root trees are superior to potted trees because they are easy to plant and establish quickly, plus they are more cost-efficient. They are carefully selected and grown to ensure they are healthy, and ready to thrive in your garden.

We also have a large selection of seedlings, including tree seedlings, which are perfect for those who want to grow their own trees from scratch. Our affordable trees are quality trees that are sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment in your garden.

At our wholesale nursery, we also offer bulk pricing for those who want to purchase a large number of trees for their own landscaping business, park, or other commercial project. Contact us directly for wholesale requests.

Our online nursery makes it easy for you to shop for the perfect plants from the comfort of your own home. And with our fast and reliable shipping, you can have your bare root trees, shrubs, and plants delivered right to your door.

We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure they arrive to you in good condition. And with our easy-to-plant trees, tree saplings, and step-by-step instructions for tree planting, you'll be able to get your new additions in the ground in no time.

Thank you for choosing our online bare root plant nursery. We are confident that you will be completely satisfied with the quality and selection of our plants. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect plants for your garden, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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