Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Northern Spicebush can range from 3″ to 8″ long and have an elliptic to obovate shape. The margin is entire, and the veination is pinnate. The leaf can have a leathery feel, but is completely glabrous (smooth). When crushed, they are aromatic, producing a “spicy” fragrance.
Twig and Bud Identification
Northern Spicebush’s twigs are brown to olive-green and have light lenticels (pores) throughout the stem. The buds have many scales and form a globose shape. When broken, a peppery smell is present, but please do not damage our trees.
Bark Identification
The bark of the Northern spicebush is typically smooth, but covered in light horizontal lenticels.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Northern Spicebush are bright red drupes (seed covered by fleshy mesocarp) that ripen in the fall. They are green when immature. The diameter is around 3/8″, and they have a spicy scent. These are edible when mature.
Flower Identification
The Northern Spicebush is dioecious. The flowers are very small but appear in large, showy cluster. They are yellow and form before the leaves in the spring. The male flowers are showier because of the fluffy, yellow pollen on the anthers. Without the pollen, the female flowers appear smaller.