Lindera benzoin - Northern Spicebush

I debate internally about whether or not I have a "favorite plant" and whether or not this is it. Northern Spicebush appeals to many senses. When the fruits are ripe in the late summer, they are glossy and bright red, standing out vividly amongst the green leaves. The fruits are edible, but potent. You can dry them and grind them into a spice that has notes of clove and cardamom. You can make a wintery tea out of the fresh or recently dried leaves (though it loses its potency in long term storage). In fall the leaves turn a vibrant yellow.

This plant does best near water, and is found along streams and rivers in the wild. However they can also thrive in a garden setting or anywhere with a occasional irrigation once established. Plants are dioecious, so each one is either male or female, and there is no way to tell the difference until they are large enough to flower. So if you are going for fruits (only the females produce them), you'll need to buy more than one, and it is still a bit of a game of chance.