Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a member of the laurel family. Also referred to as wild allspice or Benjamin bush, it is associated with rich, woodland habitats, flourishing beneath the canopy of the forest, often along streams. Native to the eastern half of North America, spicebush is considered a shrub, maturing at heights between 6 and 12 feet and occurring gregariously, a result of their ability to spread by the process of root sprouting. Spicebush is appropriately named after the sweet, citrusy aroma produced by all parts of the plant. When I am on a hike through the forest, I just can’t help myself as I pluck a leaf from the plant to crush between my fingers and hold against my nostrils as I carry on. In fact, a hike without the scent of spicebush wafting around me would be very disappointing indeed. In the early spring, before its leaves have burst from their buds, the spicebush explodes into bloom. Delicate clusters of yellow flowers engulf the plants, luring in some of the earliest pollinators. An exquisite spicebush specimen just outside of our front door gives me a front-row seat to dozens of moths which visit the blossoms beneath the cover...

Overcast and still. The bracken in the yard has all turned brown and the stillgrass is reddening, revealing the dark green leaves of a new volunteer spicebush.