Lindera benzoinIndiana Native
Spicebush

Family:

Lauraceae (Laurel Family) 2

Genus:

Lindera (Spicebush) 1

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Bushy 187

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 517

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 838

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Attractive yellow (0.2" dia.) flowers in axils open in mid-April)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Summer); Yellow (Handsome golden yellow fall foliage)

Stem Notes:

Green/Tan (spicy fragrance, conspicuous)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Fruits (on females) are attractive bright red, although usually hidden by leaves until leaf drop; dioecious)

Ultimate Height:

6-12 feet

Ultimate Spread:

6-12 feet

Bloom Times:

March 68

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 197

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, well-drained soils

Range:

Eastern North America

Maintenance:

Low 266

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (3-5" long by 1-2.5" wide) are aromatic when crushed, alternate, simple, oblong-obovate. Slender olive green stems with pale lenticels.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

The Spicebush is an excellent native shrub for naturalizing or in borders. Tolerant of full shade, although it tends to become leggy in lower light situations. Difficult to transplant; use container-grown plants. Prefers moist soils; not especially drought tolerant. Dioecious.