Quick answer: Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is native to 31 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jason Hollinger, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Wet |
| Soil | Moist, sandy, well-drained soils - caliche, limestone-based, sandy loam, medium loam |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 6-15 ft, up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds and butterflies, larval host for Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and Promethea silkmoth |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Northern spicebush
Where is Northern spicebush native?
Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is native to 31 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Northern spicebush bloom?
Northern spicebush blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Northern spicebush need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Wet. Soil: Moist, sandy, well-drained soils - caliche, limestone-based, sandy loam, medium loam. Mature height: 6-15 ft, up to 20 ft.
Is Northern spicebush good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds and butterflies, larval host for Spicebush Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and Promethea silkmoth.
Is Northern spicebush deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Northern spicebush is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Northern spicebush seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Lindera benzoin on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Northern spicebush.
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Also listed under
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