Lindera benzoin - Northern spicebush

Northern spicebush is named for its leaves, which are aromatic when crushed. It is a single- or few-stemmed, deciduous shrub, usually 6-15 ft. tall, with glossy leaves and graceful, slender, light green branches. Produces masses of small green-yellow flowers in spring, before the leaves appear. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. This plant is a good choice for shady, moist or wet places in the garden. Caterpillars of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly (Papilio troilus) use this species for food. The green caterpillars have large, black, fake "eye" markings that scare away predators

Height: 6-12 ft

Sun: Part shade

Water: Medium 

Bloom color: Green, Yellow

Bloom time: March