Spicebush is leafing out! Normally it would be blooming by now, like this:
Spring blooms of Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
But it seems that the hard winter and long spring have slowed it down like everything else, since ours aren’t blooming just yet.
At any rate, you can get ready for them here on our newest Native Plant page.
Remember, when you plant spicebush, you get a twofer, since Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies will follow. Actually, a threefer, since it can be used in cooking and flavoring beverages like beer or tea. Such a deal! Now go get your gold.
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar, early stage.
I just happened on your blog as I was researching the stages of Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) development and when to harvest the seeds. You have a beautiful blog and a lovely backyard. I’m adding you to my “blogs I follow” list. Congratulations on the Spicebush blooms. Brutal winter, wasn’t it? Most of my perennials, shrubs, and trees are late to the game this year, too, although the Clematises, Delphiniums, and Daylilies seem early. Weird.
Thank you for reading and for your nice comments! It was a brutal winter, for Missouri. I’m originally from N. Iowa, so I grew up with winters more like yours, but “up north” they tell me it was worse than usual, too. You’ve got a beautiful blog also and I’ll be checking in on it.