Wild Allspice
Lindera benzoin
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lindera benzoin is a native deciduous shrub found throughout eastern North America that produces small yellow flowers in March and April before its leaves emerge. This spicebush thrives in partial shade and moist soils.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Wild Allspice as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 72"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wild allspice is a native shrub that forms a rounded, medium-sized bush with glossy green leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. It produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by red berries on female plants. This adaptable shrub thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
Growing Wild Allspice
Grow Wild Allspice in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wild Allspice is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Spring Azure butterfly.
The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The berries are eaten by birds, and the foliage serves as a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Wild Allspice bloom?
- Wild Allspice blooms in early spring during March and April, producing small yellow flowers before the leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit Lindera benzoin?
- Wild Allspice attracts bees and beetles with its early spring flowers, providing important nectar when few other plants are blooming.
- Where is Wild Allspice native?
- Lindera benzoin is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Michigan.
- What growing conditions does Wild Allspice prefer?
- This shrub grows best in partial shade to full shade with medium to moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- Is Wild Allspice toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wild Allspice as toxic to livestock.
- Is Wild Allspice HOA-friendly?
- Wild Allspice is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Wild Allspice? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz