Spicebush

Growing & care

• Sun: part shade to full shade is ideal (it is an understory plant); tolerates full sun with consistent moisture.
• Water: prefers moist, rich soil; native to damp woods and stream edges. Tolerates average soil but not prolonged drought.
• Soil: rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9.
• Mature size: 6–12 feet tall and wide, with a rounded informal habit.
• Pollination: dioecious — male and female plants are separate, and only females bear the red berries, so plant several to ensure both sexes for fruit and birds.

Propagation

Seed is the main method but must be sown fresh in fall (it loses viability if dried) and needs cold stratification over winter, germinating in spring. Softwood cuttings are difficult to root. Because plants are male or female, growing several seedlings improves the odds of getting both sexes.

Common problems

Spicebush is remarkably pest- and disease-free — its aromatic foliage deters deer and most insects (except the welcome swallowtail caterpillars). The main limitation is that you need both sexes for the ornamental red berries, and seedlings take a few years to reveal their sex. It resents hot, dry, exposed sites. Non-toxic to dogs and cats; the berries and leaves have been used as a culinary spice and tea by humans. A superb native understory shrub for shade gardens, woodland edges, and supporting native butterflies and birds.