Ontario Trees & Shrubs website

Spicebush
Lindera benzoin

Other common names: Allspice

Family: Laurel Family (Lauraceae)

Distinctive features: Shrub; The leaves give off a unique spicy odour when rubbed or crushed. The twigs have this smell as well.

Similar species:
  •   Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) - branches are thicker, flowers are larger.


Flowers: Spring;  Yellow;  Indistinguishable parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Entire;  Alternate, simple. Give off a very pungent odour when rubbed or crushed.

Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)

Habitat: Forests, Fields and Open Areas, Wet Areas;  Spicebush is a shrub of rich wet woods.

Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 127    Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 442   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common.

Photographs: 241 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

A grove of Spicebush that are about 4-5 feet tall.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

This photo shows the alternate arrangement of the leaves along the stems.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Leaves.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

This close-up of a leaf shows that the upper surface is sometimes a little bit glossy.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Detail of top of leaf.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Detail of underside of leaf.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Winter twig. Note the small round buds.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Another photo of the buds.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Flowers in spring.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Close-up of flowers. They come out before the leaves.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Leaves just starting to come out in the spring.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Fruit (not yet ripe).

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Bark.


Range map for Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)