Can someone identify a tree that grows in new york and the leaves smell like basil?

Question

I noticed a tree when I was walking throught the woods the other day. The leaves smelled almost exactly like basil!! I have only noticed these trees near water. They smell like basil or mint. The leaves were very small and a darker green.

Answer 1

Hello

May be Spice bush, Leaves smell like limon, if squezees it.

i studied in Botoany, when I was  Botoany Student in college.

Answer 2

Could it be spicebush (link below)?  It can grow as a bush in moist areas and has spicy smelling leaves.  The leaves typically have a lemony smell along with the spice, though.  

It's very hard to answer without knowing more about what the leaves look like.  If it's not spicebush, describe the size of the leaves, how the edges look (serrated, smooth, lobed, etc), how the veins branch out from the center of the leaf, whether the leaves meet the branch in pairs or singles (opposite or alternate), and whether there are multiple leaflets on each leaf stem (compound or simple leaf).  These are the steps to identyfy trees and shrubs.  Try the second link which goes to an online key for trees.  This key will guide you through the identifying steps with pictures.