Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a deciduous shrub that may grow to 6 to 12 feet that can be found in rich forests, dry forests on slopes, and swamps. Leaves produce a spicy odor when crushed. In early spring, small, yellow flowers mature in axillary clusters before  the leaves appear. In the fall the shrub produces a bright red drupe with a peppery taste and scent. For fruit to set both female and male pollinator plants are needed. This plant has good, yellow fall color.

American Robins, Gray Catbirds, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Red-Eyed Vireos, Wood Thrush, and other insectivorous birds will make use of the pollinators drawn to the spicebush and eat its fruit. This plant also supports spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) larvae which have two generations per year from April-October.  (1.5 gal.)