Nannyberry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Viburnum lentago

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Spicebush
Nannyberry

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Spicebush Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: fragrant
Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: greenish yellow
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Berries: red to purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum