Sprouts & Seedlings

Spicebush seedling

Lindera benzoin

Aromatic shrub seedlings that move easily. Male and female plants are separate.

Spicebush seedling: Seedling — SeedlingPhoto: Terri Koontz · CC0 · source

Spicebush seedling: Look-alike side by side. Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), a toxic look-alike — Look-alike side by sideWinterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), a toxic look-alikePhoto: Roy Boyle · CC0 · source

Confirm EVERY point before you move it

Crushed twig or leaf smells spicy-citrusy
Simple, alternate, smooth-edged oval leaves
Grows in moist shade near mature spicebush
Round flower buds along bare twigs in winter

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

Winterberry hollyToxic
Toothed leaves and no spicy smell.

Best time to move

Move dormant; identify by smell when leaves are out.

Habitat

Moist shaded woods and stream banks.

Parts used

seedling

Harvest note

Take from patches with many seedlings.

Transplanting

Best window

Late fall to early spring while dormant

Transplant shock risk

low

Root type

fibrous

Site

Moist, part shade

Method

Dig a wide ball of fibrous roots; replant same depth and keep moist.

Notes

Plant several so you get both sexes if you want berries.

Related: Spicebush →

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.