A broad, rounded multi-stemmed shrub covered with fragrant yellow-green flowers in early spring. The flowers open before the leaves emerge and are held close to the branches. Aromatic light green leaves turn deep yellow-gold in fall. Birds feed on the small, brilliant red fruits formed on female plants. The larva (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves.

Lindera benzoin. Photo: Nadia Navarrete-Tindall