type : Shrubs, Trees, Deciduous
sun exposure : Full Sun, Partial Shade
water : Regular Water
Plant Details
Spicebushes are grown principally for the beauty of their fall foliage; early spring clusters of small, greenish yellow flowers on leafless shoots are attractive but not conspicuous. On female plants, fruit will follow the blossoms if a male plant is nearby. Best used at woodland edge or as space fillers. Need good drainage; tolerate some drought. The common name refers to the spicy odor of the crushed leaves.
spicebush
lindera benzoin
- US, MS, LS, CS; USDA 6-9.
- Native to woodlands of eastern U.S. Reaches 612 feet tall and broad.
- Light green leaves are 35 inches long, half as wide.
- Yellow fall color and plant form are best in full sun; if plants are grown in shade, foliage color isn't as intense and habit is loose and open.
- Fruit (noticeable after leaf fall) is bright red, up to inches long.
- Host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
japanese spicebush
lindera obtusiloba
- US, MS; USDA 6-7.
- Native to Japan, China, Korea.
- To 1020 feet tall, not quite as wide.
- Leaves are 5 inches long, 4 inches wide, occasionally lobed near the tip to give a mitten shape.
- Fall color is an exceptionally brilliant yellow that develops even in shade and holds for 2 weeks or more.
- Small ( inches-wide) red fruit eventually turns black.