Spice Bush
Lindera benzoin
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Spice Bush - #2 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Spice Bush highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
Growing Zones 4-9
Although most flowering plants supply nectar for butterflies, there are only a few plants that are the preferred food for caterpillars. Take the next thrilling step in turning your landscape into a real habitat...the easy way! Not only will you love the good looks of native Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin), you'll appreciate their spiced citrus scent. Also known as Spicebush, these aromatic yellow-green blooms are held along early spring's bare branches in cute clusters.
Watch for the thick, oblong, light green leaves to emerge. They'll grow to five inches long and also offer a spicy fragrance when they are crushed. The fragrance is a delectable way to start off the spring season. Each clustered inflorescence can have up to 15 star-shaped, sunny-colored blooms that work to support pollinators. Once fall temperatures start to dip, the leaves turn an attractive glowing-yellow hue. Spice Bush starts turning early for a very pretty start to the autumn season.
Black Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies lay their white eggs on the underside of the leaves. Newly hatched larva caterpillars feed on the leaves and grow quickly. These cunning caterpillars are camouflaged with false eyespots to resemble adorable, tiny snakes! This gives them protection from predators and will enchant the young naturalists in your life. Dry the leaves for yummy-smelling potpourri. The leaves and twigs were once used for tea.
Planting and Application:
All season long, this rounded shrub provides a lovely display and screen. Spice Bush is dioecious, with both male plants and female plants. It's recommended to grow at least three to improve the chances of pollination. And you and your feathered friends want increased pollination! If pollinated by a male pollinator, the flowers of female plants give way to bright red, eye-catching drupes which are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. Look fast, as the showy fruit is very attractive to songbirds!
Beyond feeding birds, these shrubs are fantastic privacy and screening, shelterbelts and for stopping drifting snow. Turn a suburban lot into a naturalized paradise! Plant these desirable shrubs as a hedge, or in an informal grouping. They'll love a spot near a water feature, as their natural setting is along stream beds and creeks. Try an undulating curve along the dappled edge of woodlands for their bold yellow tones in spring and fall. This native deciduous shrub has a broad, rounded habit and makes an excellent backdrop in a modern shrub border or Butterfly Garden.
- Fragrant Blooms & Leaves
- Unique Yellow Flowers Held on Bare Branches
- Lush, Rounded Shrub & Golden Fall Color
- Native Host Plant, Beneficial Pollinators & Bird-Friendly
- Showy Screen or Hedge, Rain Garden & Habitat
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Grow them in full sun for the most compact growth. Don't worry if you've run out of full sun. An established Spice Bush tolerates partial shade, moist soils, and even soils that dry out on occasion. Fall color is best in sunny areas and the habit becomes more open and wide-spreading in full shade. Give them slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch with pine bark or pine straw to a depth of three inches, then pull it back away from directly touching the stems.
- Performs in Full Sun or Partial Shade
- Adapts to Wet or Dry Soils Once Established
- Appreciates Mulched Sites & Well-Drained Soil
- Prune After Flowering
- Rarely Damaged by Deer
Look closely at your Spice Bush over the season. You won't want to miss out on the special lifecycle of their biggest fans, the miraculous Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly! Order these incredible wildlife-friendly natives for your one naturalized habitat today from NatureHills.com!
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Customer Reviews
I recently ordered 3 spice bushes and they arrived quickly and in perfect condition! I was impressed with the protective packaging and all three bushes were healthy and undamaged. Looking forward to watching them grow and attract caterpillars and butterflies to my garden!
Hi Shelly,
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy to hear your Spice Bushes arrived swiftly and in perfect shape—that protective packaging is something we take great pride in, so it's wonderful to know it made a difference.
It’s especially exciting that you’re looking forward to their role in supporting pollinators. Spice Bushes are indeed a favorite host for spicebush swallowtail caterpillars and a beautiful way to create a butterfly-friendly habitat right in your own garden.
If you ever need care tips or seasonal guidance, we’re always here to help!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Packaged well and came in one piece. So far so good still have to get them into the ground. I think they should do well
Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Spice bush order! We’re delighted to hear it arrived safely and in great condition. Getting your plants settled in the ground is such an exciting step—Spice bushes are hardy and adaptable, so with a little care, they should thrive beautifully.
When you’re ready to plant, just make sure to choose a spot with well-drained soil and partial to full shade—we’ve found those conditions really help Spice bushes flourish. If you’d like, we can also send along some detailed planting and care tips to help you get started.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions as your plants grow—we’re here to help every bit of the way!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
I found the Spice Bush by accident while shopping for a tree for my yard, and knew I had to have it. It is incredible! The leaf color, flowers, and berries so beautiful and different.
Hi Cathy,
Thank you so much for sharing your delightful experience with the Spice Bush! It’s wonderful to hear that its unique leaf color, flowers, and berries have added such charm and character to your yard. Accidentally finding that perfect plant is always a special moment, and we’re thrilled you chose the Spice Bush to grow with you.
If you’re looking for tips, this shrub thrives best in partial shade to full shade and well-drained soil. Plus, its environmental benefit as a host plant for emotion butterflies makes it a lovely addition for supporting local wildlife. You might also enjoy our care guide on gently pruning in late winter to encourage lush blooms and manage shape.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if you want more personalized advice or simply want to share how your Spice Bush journey continues.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I found the Spice Bush by accident while shopping for a tree for my yard, and knew I had to have it. It is incredible! The leaf color, flowers, and berries so beautiful and different.
Hi Cathy,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Spice Bush! We're delighted to hear you discovered this incredible shrub and that its unique leaf color, flowers, and berries have brought such beauty to your yard. The Spice Bush truly adds a lovely touch with its vibrant attributes and can be a real focal point in a garden.
If you’re interested, Spice Bushes also provide excellent habitat and food sources for pollinators and birds, making them ideal if you'd like to encourage local wildlife. For best results, be sure to plant it in a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil, and tying the berries alongside some composting feed in the fall can help keep your shrub happy year-round.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want more tips or would like help choosing companion plants to enhance your yard’s natural allure!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
We just received this plant and it came in amazing shape. The leaves were green, the plant was full. It looked better than if we bought it at a local nursery. It was slightly fragrant when planted but hoping that will improve. A beautiful shrub.
Hello FlowerGuy,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your new Spice Bush! We’re thrilled to hear that it arrived looking even better than you expected—green leaves and a full, healthy appearance are exactly what we aim for. It’s great that you’re already noticing a slight fragrance; as your Spice Bush settles in and matures, that lovely scent should indeed become more pronounced, especially in the warmer months.
To encourage the best growth and fragrance, make sure your Spice Bush is planted in well-draining soil with partial to full sunlight. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep it vibrant and lush. If you’d like, we have detailed care guides and tips on our website you can reference anytime to help you get the most from your new shrub.
We truly appreciate your kind words and wish you many enjoyable moments as your Spice Bush grows and blossoms.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
