Deciduous Tree – Spicebush

Spicebush 

Botanical name: lindera benzoin 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 6-12 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-9 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green, yellow 

Flower color: yellow 

Bloom time:  spring 

Pruning instructions: prune in the spring after flowering to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: border, screening, accent tree, erosion control, pollinator garden

Special features: cold hardy, heat tolerant, clay tolerant, shade tolerant 

Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow only the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the spring season, and once more between october and november 

Best time to plant: summer, fall 

Best type of soil:  chalky loam 

Companion plants: wild ginger, bloodroot, aster, woodland phlox 

Toxicity level: non-toxic to humans and pets 

Invasive species: no