one of the common shrubs that grows in our rich woodlands in the Great Lakes region is Spice Bush.

It's found in the understory layer that's the shrub layer below the canopy of trees and spice bush in fall gets this great lemon lime foliage a little yellow and little green.

It's really pretty, but that's highlighted by these great red berries that are favored foods for lots of birds and even small mammals as well.

Spice Bush gets its name because in years past, people used it as a substitute for spice.

In fact, if you pick off one of the leaves and you give it a little crush and a sniff, it really does smell spicy.

So people used to make tea from the leaves and the twigs and as well, the berries when dried were scraped and then used as a substitute for things like allspice.

So again, spice bush, that's how it gets its name.

It has this great fall foliage color, but you don't want to miss it in spring as well.

When, even before all the leaves are out, it gets tiny, tiny yellow flowers that are really pretty.

Remember, you can find your own outdoor elements when you visit area parks and natural areas will see you soon.