This fragrant shrub has a history of serving as a cinnamon or allspice substitute for early American colonists. The bark and berries are strongly spiced and can be used in small quantities to season dishes or brew tea. While the leaves are also aromatic, they’re less commonly used for these purposes.
Often found in large groupings within rich deciduous forests and bottomland ecosystems, spicebush easily blends into the background unless you know what to look for. Its plain ovate leaves and tiny yellow flowers in spring might not catch your eye, but come autumn, its bright red oblong berries steal the show, attracting a variety of woodland birds. Small bees and flies visit the flowers, while several caterpillars—most notably the spicebush swallowtail—rely on its foliage.
The northern spicebush manages to hide its abundance in plain sight, but once you know what to look for, you’ll be delighted to find it in your company in woodlands all over Ohio.
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