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.
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Recent Spicebush sightings near you
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