Northern Spicebush: A Native Shrub Worth Discovering
If you’re looking to add some native charm to your landscape, you might want to get acquainted with northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin var. pubescens). This delightful native shrub has been quietly gracing American woodlands for centuries, and it’s about time more gardeners discovered its potential.
What Exactly Is Northern Spicebush?
Northern spicebush is a perennial shrub that’s as American as apple pie – well, actually more so, since it’s truly native to our continent! This multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13 to 16 feet tall, making it a perfect mid-sized addition to your garden. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonyms, including Benzoin aestivale var. pubescens, but don’t let the fancy names intimidate you.
Where Does It Call Home?
This adaptable native has quite an impressive range across the United States. You can find northern spicebush naturally occurring in 25 states, stretching from the Southeast all the way to the Midwest and beyond. Its native territory includes:
- Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia
- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana
- Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri
- New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania
- South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
If you live in any of these states, you’re working with a plant that’s already perfectly adapted to your local climate and ecosystem.
Why Choose Northern Spicebush for Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit mysterious. While we know this variety is distinguished as a separate form of the beloved spicebush family, specific information about its unique characteristics, growing requirements, and garden performance is surprisingly limited in available sources. This actually makes it something of a botanical treasure hunt for adventurous gardeners!
What we do know is that as a native shrub, northern spicebush offers several compelling reasons to include it in your landscape:
- It’s perfectly adapted to local conditions in its native range
- As a native species, it supports local wildlife and ecosystem health
- It requires less maintenance than exotic alternatives once established
- It contributes to biodiversity in your garden
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where we need to be honest with you: specific growing information for Lindera benzoin var. pubescens is quite scarce in readily available horticultural sources. This could mean a couple of things – either it’s very similar in requirements to other spicebush varieties, or it’s simply not widely cultivated yet.
If you’re interested in growing this particular variety, your best bet might be to:
- Contact local native plant societies in your area
- Reach out to botanical gardens or universities in your region
- Connect with native plant nurseries that specialize in regional varieties
- Consider starting with the more commonly available Lindera benzoin if you’re new to growing spicebush
Is It Right for Your Garden?
Given its native status across such a wide range of states, northern spicebush is definitely worth considering if you live within its natural range. However, the limited available information means you’ll need to do some detective work to find reliable sources and growing guidance.
This plant represents an excellent opportunity for the more adventurous gardener who enjoys working with lesser-known native varieties. Just be prepared to become something of a pioneer in documenting its garden performance!
The Bottom Line
Northern spicebush is a legitimate native option that deserves more attention from gardeners interested in supporting local ecosystems. While specific growing information for this variety remains elusive, its native status and wide natural distribution suggest it could be a valuable addition to appropriate gardens. Just be prepared for a bit of horticultural sleuthing to unlock its full potential!
If you do decide to track down this intriguing native, you’ll be joining the ranks of gardeners who are helping to preserve and celebrate America’s botanical heritage – one shrub at a time.
