Lindera Benzoin

Mar, Apr, May

Shrubs, Native Plant, Shrub

Woody, Perennial

6-12 ft.

The Spice bush has clusters of tiny, apetalous, aromatic, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom along the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges (March-April). It has dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), with the male flowers being larger and showier than the female ones. The flowers of female plants give way to bright red drupes. Female plants need a male pollinator in order to set fruit (scarlet red), however. It's drupes are very attractive, but are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop.

A drupe, scarlet red spicy scented fruit in late Summer/early Fall (August-September) 1/2' wide., Red