Maritime Arboretum Seed Northern Spicebush

Lindera benzoin 

Northern Spicebush is a hardy native North American shrub valued for its fragrant foliage, early spring yellow-green flowers, brilliant red berries, and attractive yellow autumn colour. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, wildlife plantings, and pollinator gardens.

Approximate Maximum Height: 3 m
Zone(s): Zone 4-9
About the Seeds: Clean Seed

Lighting: Partial shade to full sun. Northern Spicebush naturally grows in woodland conditions and performs particularly well in partial shade. Full sun can encourage denser growth and stronger autumn colour when adequate moisture is available.

Germination: Seeds require cold, moist stratification for reliable germination. For spring sowing, stratify seeds for approximately 90 days at 1-5°C (34-41°F). A warm stratification period of about 30 days followed by 90 days of cold stratification can also be used. Alternatively, fresh seeds can be sown outdoors in autumn and allowed to receive natural winter stratification.

Watering: Keep the seed-starting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged during stratification and germination. Once seedlings emerge, maintain even moisture and do not allow young plants to dry out. Northern Spicebush prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate occasional wet conditions.