ABSTRACT
Spicebush is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Maine in the north, south to Texas and northern Florida, and west to Kansas. It has endangered status in some states. The species usually occurs in moist to wet woods and on the borders of wetlands and streams. It tolerates moderate shade, and is often found as an understory plant beneath trees. As a tea, spicebush leaves, twigs, and bark are simply boiled and the material filtered off. As a spice, the leaves, twigs, and bark can be used for seasoning; or the dried, de-seeded fruits can be ground up using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. The ground spice loses its flavor quickly and grinding should be done just before use. Excellent material for a spicy condiment and tea base is produced by spicebush, which nevertheless is of no market significance, and indeed no serious attempts have been made to develop it as a crop.
