Spicebush is a native shrub that does well as an understory tree or landscaping shrub. Beautiful bright green foliage hosts caterpillars of swallowtail butterfly & other Lepidoptera species. In the spring they bloom with multitudinous yellow flowers that attract pollinators; this shrub is a fantastic native alternative to forsythia! In late summer they produce small, edible red berries with a peppery flavor that are a favorite of birds. Spicebush is dioecious (two houses) so you need both male and female plants to get the berries. Plant a grove of at least 6 for the best odds of fruit production. Prefers moist, well draining soil with plenty of mulch (think rich understory). Spicebush occupies a niche similar to invasive understory plants like honeysuckle, making it a good choice for remediating disturbed areas.