Spicebush

Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume

Family: LauraceaeZones: 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Not assessed for pets. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Part shade per NC State; the shape is less dense and spreads more in heavy shade.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of NC State: prefers moist, well-drained soil; more watering is needed if grown in full sun; tolerates occasional flooding. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 8-15 ft tall and 6-15 ft wide in its size line; description text says on average 6-12 ft tall and wide

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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