Spicebush – Lindera benzoin
Lindera, for Swedish botanist John Lindler; benzoin for its fragrant resins used in medicine, per fumes and incense.
Other common names: Wild Allspice; Pondberry; Wild Forsythia; Benjamin Bush. The name benjamin likely connects to the name benzoin which was the name of its earlier genus.
All in the Family: Laurel Family. Relatives: Sassafras; bay-leaf, cinnamon, avocado
Spicebush’s fragrant lemon-yellow flowers have a spicy fragrance and is a good nectar source in early spring.
