Spicebush, Lindera benzoin
 
Spicebush is a fast-growing shrub with yellow flowers very early in spring and red spicy berries, leaves and twigs. The leaves can be used for tea. The trees are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. For the female plants to produce bright red, berry-like fruits in late summer, there must be a male spicebush in proximity. The berries can be dried and crushed to use as a spice. Click on the underlined spicebush for more information.   
 
Ecology:
Spicebush is the larval host plant for the Eastern tiger swallowtail, the promethea silkmoth and the funky caterpillar of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
 
Growing conditions:
Shade, part shade or sun, moist to medium well-drained soil.