Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a highly aromatic understory shrub that prefers moist woods, often with exposed limestone. It is important to keep in mind that spicebush is dioecious, meaning you need both a male and female to produce fruit, though clearly it doesn’t need fruit to reproduce as it forms colonies by reproducing vegetatively through its roots. 

Aside from providing food for deer, rabbits, opossums, and a host of birds that feed on its fruit, spicebush is host to at least 11 species of caterpillars, including the ever-popular spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus), making it a valuable addition to the ecosystem. It is also valuable for human consumption as its twigs, buds, flowers, leaves, and fruit–both ripe and unripe–are all edible.  Apparently dried fruits can be used as an allspice substitute.

Native Range Source – USDA Plants Profile

Photo Credit

Host Plant Source