Lindera benzoin

Spicebush is native to the damp understory of Eastern/Central U.S. woodlands. Female plants have gorgeous glossy red berries in fall, and they're edible! The leaves are a food source for the larvae of spicebush swallowtail butterflies.

This is one of Ashlyn's favorite native edibles! The berries can be picked, dried, and cold stored to use as a spice. It has all the complexities of black pepper, citrus, and allspice. It's also called Appalachian allspice. Spicebush chai, anyone?