New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Common Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Common spicebush is easy to identify. Its small, yellow lemon-scented flowers appear in early spring, long before its aromatic leaves emerge. This deciduous shrub is found in large numbers in cool shady glades and along streams. In autumn the leaves turn bright yellow, and migratory birds gorge themselves on the red berries, which are rich in oils that provide concentrated stores of energy.
Native Americans used spicebush to treat several illnesses, including coughs, arthritis, and measles. Early settlers called it feverbush and used a drink made from bark to control fevers.
Erected by New York Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 51.746′ N, 73° 52.594′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It is at the intersection of Bridge Trail and Spicebush Trail, on the right when traveling west on Bridge Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Forest Conservation (here, next to this marker); Thain Family Forest (here, next to this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Pit and Mound Formations (a few steps from this marker); Black Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Human Impact (within shouting distance of this marker); Pokeberry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oak (about 300 feet away); Old-Growth Forests: Snags (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
