Spicebush

This is a spicy-scented woodland shrub that has red fruits. The berries have been used as a seasoning. The bark and berries have been used medicinally. The spicebush is a medium-sized shrub (16') that has a short trunk with a small, roundish crown. The spicebush is found only as an understory shrub. The leaves are obovate (3.5-5" long, 2" wide) and are a light green color. The aromatic foliage takes on a yellow color in the Fall. The spicebush has greenish-brown stems with lenticels. The spicebush blooms Early Spring and produces a scarlet, oval drupe in early Fall. Besides using the ground fruit as a spice for its allspice-like flavor, various parts of the spicebush have been used medicinally. It should be noted that the spicebush is the favorite host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) and the Promethea Silkmoth (Callosamia promethea).