Eastern North American understorey shrub with intensely aromatic bark, leaves, and red berries. Traditional culinary spice and medicinal substitute for tropical spices in colonial kitchens.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 4–9 | −34.4 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 4–9 | −29 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Critical larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly
- Tiny yellow flowers on bare branches in earliest spring — one of the first signs of spring in eastern US woodlands
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Spicebush against your zones