Lindera communis Seeds | Spicebush
LATIN NAME: Lindera communis
COMMON NAME: Spicebush
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Spicebush (Lindera communis) is an evergreen shrub in the laurel family. It likes sun or part shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Lindera communis sits in the laurel family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Aromatic leaves of spicebush give it a recognised place in research on warm-climate evergreen shrubs of laurel family, and communis species appears in studies of leaf oil chemistry and early spring flowering. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Spicebush earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In warm garden, spicebush glows autumn branches with red berries. Glossy, lance-shaped leaves keep neat form through year, leaves have served teas and flavourings for generations, and berries feed the birds. It makes fine screen and understorey plant and grows well in moist, well-drained ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Spicebush and its kin are aromatic medicinal shrubs: Lindera aggregata root, Wu Yao, is a classical Chinese qi-moving herb, and the American spicebush’s twigs and berries are a traditional warming wild tea and allspice substitute.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Spicebush under ordinary good conditions. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide partial shade. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Given partial shade and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.
Related Reading
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