Lindera

Thunb., 1783

spicebush, spicewood, Benjamin bush

Species Guides

Lindera tessellatella(Bran moth)

Lindera is a of 80–100 of flowering shrubs and small trees in the laurel (Lauraceae). Most species occur in eastern Asia, with three species native to eastern North America. The genus is characterized by strongly aromatic leaves and dioecious flowers—male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Many species produce small red, purple, or black drupes dispersed by birds.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lindera: /lɪnˈdɛɹə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Most Lindera occur in light shade beneath forest , though some grow in nearly full sunlight. In warmer regions, they inhabit bottomland hardwood forests. North American species often occupy moist including bottoms and edges of shallow seasonal ponds in old dune fields, as well as low riverine areas in drier regions. The demonstrates broad habitat provided water requirements are met.

Distribution

Approximately 80–100 , with the majority native to eastern Asia. Three species occur in eastern North America. North American represent relict distributions; these species were more widespread when the continent's climate was more humid.

Host Associations

Lindera benzoin - larval plant for spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Lindera - food plants for larvae of some Lepidoptera including engrailed (Ectropis crepuscularia)

Life Cycle

Dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. Flowers arranged in pseudo-umbels of 3–15 small, greenish to yellowish blooms with six star-shaped tepals. Pollination by bees and other insects. Fruit is a small drupe containing a single seed, ripening to red, purple, or black. Many reproduce vegetatively via stolons.

Ecological Role

Fruit serves as food source for birds; hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus) has been identified as a agent for L. melissifolia seeds. Vegetative via stolons contributes to clonal colony formation. As a dioecious , Lindera supports including bees.

Human Relevance

(spicewood, spicebush, Benjamin bush) reflect historical use of aromatic plant parts. Ornamental value in native plant landscaping, particularly L. benzoin for fall foliage and winter persistence of fruit. Ecological restoration and conservation efforts focus on North American due to loss and fragmentation vulnerability.

Similar Taxa

Cornus floridaBoth produce bright red berries in autumn that require close examination to distinguish; however, C. florida is synecious (bisexual flowers) with all individuals bearing fruit, while Lindera is dioecious with only female plants producing fruit.

More Details

Etymology

The name commemorates Swedish physician Johan Linder (1676–1724).

Conservation vulnerability

fragmentation severely affects dioecious such as Lindera melissifolia (pondberry), as single-sex can only reproduce vegetatively. Increasing isolation reduces movement between male and female plants.

Sexual dimorphism in flower buds

In L. benzoin, male flower buds are slightly larger and more developed in autumn than female buds, as male plants tend to flower earlier in spring.