Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Lauraceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Quick Facts
Height
6–12 ft
Spread
9 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Light
Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil
Moist
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
March
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
Ontario and Maine, southwest to Kansas and south to Texas
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Spicebush has passed 'full bloom' (770 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 624 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 770 | '' |
Range: 388–578 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.