How Much Standing Water Can a Lindera Benzoin Spicebush Survive?

Identification

• Native to eastern parts of the United States, spicebush is winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. A deciduous shrub, it usually grows to a height and width of 6 to 12 feet, though less frequently it will grow to heights of 15 feet. Greenish-yellow flowers appear in springtime before the leaves, and mature to bright red fruits, which are visible once the leaves drop in fall. Leaves turn an attractive yellow in fall.

Water Tolerance

• Because it is native to swamp forests, bottomlands, woods and ravines and along the banks of streams, the spicebush is able to withstand very wet and boggy conditions. It can tolerate flooding for short periods of time, to depths of 6 inches for usually about 24 hours, so long as it is planted in well-draining soil that will keep the water moving. It won’t do well in consistently flooded areas, or areas that have standing water for long periods of time. While spicebush will grow happily along the banks of streams and ponds, do not try to plant under water.

Culture

• Aside from preferring very wet soil conditions, spicebush is a very tolerant plant. It will grow in both full sun and shade, but grows more compactly in sun. It also produces better fall color. In shade, spicebush produces drabber autumn leaves and grows in a wider, leggier fashion. Despite its high moisture requirements, spicebush will tolerate drought once established. It also tolerates clay soil, deer and dense shade.

Garden Uses

• Its water tolerance makes spicebush a good choice for watery areas of the garden, such as along the banks of streams and ponds or other water features. It can also grow in wet areas of the garden, so long as the water drains within a day or so each time the garden floods. Its adaptation to water also makes spicebush a good choice for rain gardens, and its shade tolerance means you can plant it as an understory plant beneath taller tees or shrubs.