Native Plant Profile... Spice Bush, also known as Benjamin-bush,
Fever Bush, Snapwood, Spicewood, and Wild Allspice, is a
deciduous shrub with a spicy scent. One of the first spring
blooms in the woods, it is a member of the Laurel family .
Height: 6' - 15' Spread: 6' - 12' Leaf: Smooth, thick, oblong,
light green, toothless, alternate in location. Aromatic when
crushed. Flowers: Green to yellow, appearing before the leaves
in March and April. Small about 1/10" in length. Some flowers
are female, some male. Fragrant. Although small, blooms in
clusters give a larger effect. One of the first spring blooms in
the woods. Fruit: Oval in shape, 1/2” long, matures in the fall,
turning from green to red when ripe. Aromatic. It is a fleshy,
aromatic drupe. Hidden until the leaves drop. Bark: Brown to
gray brown and speckled with light colored lenticels Growing
Conditions: Can tolerate full sun to partial shade Pests: No
serious insect or disease problems. Habitat: Found in moist
woodlands and by streams, Spice Bush ca