About Spice Bush
The Latin name for this plant is Lindera Benzoin commonly called the Northern Spicebush. It is a shrub in the laurel family that is native to eastern North America with a range as far north as Ontario Canada and south to Florida. This shrub grows in the understory of moist forests, especially those with exposed limestone. it can grow up to 15 feet tall. Look for this plant along stream banks, in the woods, and at the edges of marshlands. Spicebush has yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the appearance of leaves. The flowers have six sepals and a very sweet odor. The ovate leaves of the plant are smooth with no teeth on their edges and have a very aromatic citrus spicey smell when crushed. The oblong shape ripe fruit is red and has a turpentine-like taste and aromatic scent. It contains a large seed. The leaves turn a golden yellow in the fall. 
Medicinal Uses
The slim twigs of spicebush are chewed to savor and are used to massage the teeth and gums; one or two ripe berries are chewed to relieve thirst and to freshen the mouth. The Cherokee had several uses for this shrub, they would use a tonic or tea made from this plant to treat colds and coughs. The Cherokee, Creek, Ojibwa, and Rappahannock made a tea from this plant and used it as a blood purifier. The Delaware chew the fresh leaves to expel intestinal worms and gas. Many tribes use an infusion of bark to treat hives, bring down fevers, and treat menstrual cramps. The Creek use an infusion of the branches in a steam bath to cause perspiring for aches and joint pains. The Iroquois made an infusion of the entire plant for a bath to treat cold sweats.
Did You Know...
The caterpillar of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves of this shrub.
Sometimes this plant is called the "forsythia of the wilds" because of its early spring yellow flowers.
Spicebush is also called the toothbrush shrub because of its' toothpaste and aromatic flavor.
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