Synonyms: Lindera benzoin var. pubescens, Northern Pondspice, Spicebush, Wild Allspice.
Common Spicebush is native to much of eastern North America. It is a common, much-branched shrub of the understory across Maryland, especially in damp woods. Common Spicebush is one of the first woody plants to bloom in the spring. It is one of four members of the Laurel Family (Lauraceae) native to Maryland. Two of these four are highly state-rare (Swamp Bay and Pondspice). The third, Sassafras, is, like Spicebush, common in the state.
Leaves of Common Spicebush are obovate, oval, or elliptic, with entire margins. They increase in breadth from the base to the tip of the twig and are spicy-aromatic when crushed. The bark of twigs is also aromatic. Bark of larger stems is grayish-brown, with readily observed, pale, raised lenticels. Flower buds are small, lateral, and globular, and are evident all winter. The yellow flowers, which appear before the leaves, are arranged in small, dense, lateral clusters that make this plant stand out in early spring. The fruit is a bright red drupe.
Spicebush is common along streambanks and in moist woodlands and wetland margins.
Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Host plant for various species of moths including Promethea Moth and Spotted Apatelodes Moth.
There are 776 records in the project database.
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