Lindera benzoinIndiana Native
Spicebush

Family:

Lauraceae (Laurel Family) 2

Genus:

Lindera (Spicebush) 1

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Bushy 187

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

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 69

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 203

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, well-drained soils

Range:

Eastern North America

Maintenance:

Low 274

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:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Spicebush

Special Characteristics:

Naturalizing 114

Indiana Native 162

Shade Tolerant 115

Slow Growth Rate 272

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.

Plant Photo Gallery

Lindera benzoin - Leaves

Leaves

Lindera benzoin - Flowers

Flowers

Lindera benzoin - Fruit & Leaves

Fruit & Leaves

Lindera benzoin - Fruit

Fruit

Habit

When Lindera benzoin has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

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No Fruiting Observations Available

3 Lindera benzoin found

Building Map...

= Heritage plant = Memorial plant

Number	Accession ID	Location
1	2013_00184*A	HORTPARK
2	2009_14588*B	PFEN
3	2022_00028*A	HGRH

Other plants like this Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)

Sassafras albidum
[Common Sassafras]

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