Hooray to that, Liz, I can't stand the non-natives people plant in their yards, like crepe myrtle, Bradford pear, etc. They aren't host to any leps, (I guess a generalist moth might use them) and I can't remember ever seeing one nectar on the flowers.

Spicebush won't stay alive here in the summer, no matter how shady and damp the situation. I had one that was going great in the cooler, very wet spring and summer we've had, but when we finally had a few hot days, even though the soil it's growing in didn't dry up, it died back. Where you live they'll probably thrive, though, and I think they'd make excellent plants for your yard. Birds LOVE sassafras seeds (will fight over them) so I know they'd love spicebush seeds, too. since the two plants are so nearly the same. Just be sure they don't dry out!

Sherry

Liz-it can't hurt to try! You never know, they may be lurking nearby, just waiting for another food source. I grew milkweed for 2 years before seeing any Monarchs. I don't have either spicebush or sassafrass nearby, but have seen SBSTs. Not as many this year as in previous years, however. They tend to nectar almost exclusively on the single bloom, bright red or pink zinnia in my garden for what its worth, in case you want to offer up some variety.

I know what you mean about all the yards looking the same. I can always tell what's been on sale at home depot each spring. It seems to have been salvia this year!

Sandy.