Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Lauraceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
6–12 ft
Spread
9 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Light
Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil
Moist
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
March
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
Ontario and Maine, southwest to Kansas and south to Texas
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Spicebush has passed 'full bloom' (770 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 624 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 770 | '' |
Range: 388–578 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
Source: 'Master catalog (UMD), converted GDD50->GDD32 via Kent bloom-date mapping' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.