Spicebush is a native understory shrub of moist eastern forests whose aromatic bark, leaves, and red berries are strongly spice-scented. It is the larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. Its brilliant red berries in August and September are among the most nutritious wildlife fruits, especially important for migrating birds building fat reserves.
Best time to see a Spicebush
The best time to see a Spicebush is March–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 44,842 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Spicebush? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Spicebush sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Spicebush?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.