Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume var. pubescens (Palmer & Steyerm.) Rehder

Northern spicebush

Spicebush, named for the spicy odor its leaves produce when crushed, is a Florida native deciduous shrub. They are now found through much of the eastern United States.

Plants: The rounded shrubs are usually 6–12′ (1.8–3.7 m) in size, sometimes becoming a small tree, reaching up to 15′ (4.6 m). Bark is thin, and brown or gray-brown.

Leaves: Thick, alternate, entire, obovate, with smooth edges. Leaves are light green and up to 7 ⨉ 2½″ (18 ⨉ 7 cm). Leaf undersides are somewhat hairy, at least along the midribs.

Flowers: Dense clusters of yellow-green flowers emerge from branches before leaves appear in the spring. Each flower is ¼″ (6.3 mm) around, with six yellow or greenish-yellow sepals. Flowers are dioecious—some plants have male flowers and others have female.

Fruits: Female plants produce bright red oblong drupes up to ½″ (1.3 cm) long.

Habitats: Swamps, stream edges, and low riparian forests. They are now found through much of the eastern United States.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Lindera benzoin var. pubescens description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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