1 / 3

Lindera spp.

spicebushes

Lauraceae

East and Southeast Asia; eastern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Lindera spp. is a genus of roughly 80 to 100 species of aromatic deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees in the laurel family, Lauraceae. The genus is centered in East and Southeast Asia, with a few species in eastern North America, the most familiar being L. benzoin, the northern spicebush. Plants range from 3 ft (1 m) shrubs to small trees near 20 ft (6 m), with slender branches and alternate, simple leaves that release a spicy scent when crushed. The plants are dioecious, carrying male and female flowers on separate individuals, so both are needed for fruit. Small clusters of pale yellow to greenish flowers open in early spring along the bare twigs before the leaves emerge. On female plants these are followed by glossy red, ellipsoid drupes about 0.4 in (1 cm) long, each holding a single seed. Deciduous species turn clear yellow in autumn, while evergreen Asian species hold dark leaves year-round. Lindera spp. grows in moist, humus-rich woodland soils and tolerates shade, but most species fail in dry, alkaline, or compacted ground. Because fruit forms only on pollinated female plants, a single isolated specimen carries flowers but sets no berries.

Native Range

Lindera spp. is native to East and Southeast Asia, where most species occur in China, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas, with two species native to eastern North America. Plants grow as understory shrubs in moist deciduous and mixed woodland, along streams, and on shaded slopes.

Suggested Uses

Lindera spp. is grown in woodland gardens, shaded shrub borders, and native and wildlife plantings, where L. benzoin serves as a larval host for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. The red fruit of female plants feeds migrating birds. The aromatic foliage and early flowers are used in naturalistic shade plantings.

How to Identify

Crush a leaf or scratch a twig of Lindera spp. for the spicy, aromatic scent typical of the genus. In early spring, look for small clusters of pale yellow flowers set tight against leafless twigs, and on female plants for glossy red drupes in late summer. The alternate, untoothed leaves and the absence of paired buds separate it from similar shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'

Width/Spread3' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Lindera spp. flowers in early spring, generally March to April, before the leaves expand, the small yellow clusters lining the bare branches. Male plants carry showier flowers than the females. Fruit on female plants ripens red from late summer into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale yellow to greenish

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Lindera spp. in partial shade in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well but never dries out fully. Plants take full sun where soil stays reliably moist, though deep shade thins the habit and lowers both flowering and fruit. Setting male and female plants together gives berry production, as the genus is dioecious. Most deciduous species are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, while evergreen Asian species are less cold-tolerant. A mulch over the root zone holds moisture and keeps it cool, since the shallow roots suffer in drought. Plants are slow to re-establish after transplanting and tolerate little root disturbance.

Pruning

Lindera spp. needs little pruning and naturally forms a rounded, layered shape. Dead, weak, or crossing stems are removed after flowering or in late winter, and older shrubs are renewed by taking out a few of the oldest stems at the base. Heavy shearing spoils the open, natural form.