Lindera benzoin is a shrub in the laurel family. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine and New York to Ontario in the north, and to Kansas, Texas, and northern Florida in the center and south. Within its native range it is a relatively common plant where it grows in the understory in moist, rich woods, especially those with exposed limestone.
Lindera benzoin
L. benzoin showing drupes and leaves
Male spicebush flowers
Male spicebush swallowtail nectaring on a thistle
Lindera is a genus of about 80–100 species of flowering plants in the family Lauraceae, mostly native to eastern Asia but with three species in eastern North America. The species are shrubs and small trees; common names include spicewood, spicebush, and Benjamin bush.
Lindera
Dried fruits of Lindera neesiana used as spice (coll.MHNT)
Lindera umbellata