Spicebush
Join the Spiceberry Revolution! Lindera benzoin is one of the most delectable smells of the Appalachian forest in the warm season. It is in the Laurel family, as are several other well known aromatics that aren’t from here, such as bay leaf, cinnamon, camphor and even avocado.
Growing conditions: Spicebush is an understory species, so tolerates shade well. It likes moist spots and will tolerate more sun if given.
Size at maturity: 6-12’
Uses: A tea can be made from the leaves and twigs. Native peoples used spicebush to purify the blood. Spiceberries are a joy of late summer/early autumn, appearing individually on branches, bright red in color. Dry these and use them in baking or as a meat rub in lieu of allspice and cinnamon. Appalachian allspice!
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Join the Spiceberry Revolution! Lindera benzoin is one of the most delectable smells of the Appalachian forest in the warm season. It is in the Laurel family, as are several other well known aromatics that aren’t from here, such as bay leaf, cinnamon, camphor and even avocado.
Growing conditions: Spicebush is an understory species, so tolerates shade well. It likes moist spots and will tolerate more sun if given.
Size at maturity: 6-12’
Uses: A tea can be made from the leaves and twigs. Native peoples used spicebush to purify the blood. Spiceberries are a joy of late summer/early autumn, appearing individually on branches, bright red in color. Dry these and use them in baking or as a meat rub in lieu of allspice and cinnamon. Appalachian allspice!
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Join the Spiceberry Revolution! Lindera benzoin is one of the most delectable smells of the Appalachian forest in the warm season. It is in the Laurel family, as are several other well known aromatics that aren’t from here, such as bay leaf, cinnamon, camphor and even avocado.
Growing conditions: Spicebush is an understory species, so tolerates shade well. It likes moist spots and will tolerate more sun if given.
Size at maturity: 6-12’
Uses: A tea can be made from the leaves and twigs. Native peoples used spicebush to purify the blood. Spiceberries are a joy of late summer/early autumn, appearing individually on branches, bright red in color. Dry these and use them in baking or as a meat rub in lieu of allspice and cinnamon. Appalachian allspice!
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 4-9