Tag Archives: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

An Enchanted Forest of Yellow

March 11, 2026

Driving back up the mountain this morning, I noticed that Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is in bloom. The woods are awash with its yellow blossoms that lean a bit toward green. A gorgeous time to see the many trees of the forest, nearly all still with no leaves, just the splash of yellow sprinkled about.

In thinking of a title for this post, I thought of how the forest looks enchanted. That brought back memories from my childhood, growing up in Maryland, visiting Enchanted Forest. But that is another story for another time.

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Spicebush Berries

September 19, 2025

Drupes (berries) on Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) turning to their lovely crimson coloring, as autumn approaches.

As autumn further advances, these drupes will all turn their bright red, and the leaves will become a rich yellow. Those leaves, when crushed emit a luscious spicy aroma. Thanks to that spicy aroma, deer tend to avoid munching on these bushes, unless of course they are very hungry.

Spicebush is a deciduous shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae) which is native to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest. It is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. In the autumn female plants will have those red drupes, and male plants will not produce any fruit.

A lovely plant to spot in the woods.

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