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Lindera obtusiloba - Oriental Spicebush

Lindera obtusiloba
Oriental Spicebush

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Small deciduous tree or large bush with aromatic, wide and trilobed leaves that turn beautiful yellow shades in autumn. In February-March, before the leaves appear, it produces discreet but fragrant yellow flowers that attract pollinating insects. It thrives in light, humus-bearing, well-drained and non-calcareous soil, but prefers to be kept moist during the summer, in a sunny but not scorching or partially shaded location.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
4.50 m
Spread at maturity
3.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time February to March
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Description

Lindera obtusiloba is a small deciduous tree or large Asian bush related to bay laurel and camphor tree. It is interesting for its lush foliage, which is aromatic when crushed and turns beautiful shades of yellow in autumn. Its yellow flowering is small but early and pleasantly scented. This beautiful shrub is hardy, but it only thrives in non-calcareous, humus-rich, well-drained soils that do not dry out too much in summer. If you can provide these growing conditions, it will become a beautiful specimen to place in isolation or at the back of a bed.

Lindera obtusiloba belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is a botanical species native to wooded and mountainous regions of Asia, especially Korea, Japan, and China. It is a small tree or large bush reaching 3 to 6 m in all directions, with a rounded and spreading crown. Its habit is dense and bushy, spreading with age. The leaves of Lindera obtusiloba are arranged alternately on the branches and measure between 5 to 15 cm in length. When they first appear, they are tinted with dark purple. These are large leaves, often divided into 3 pointed lobes at their tips, with slightly toothed or entire edges. The upper side of the leaf is deep green and smooth, while the underside is lighter and may have a slightly fuzzy texture. The intensity of the autumn colours will depend on the climate and soil. Most often, the leaves display a beautiful range of yellow hues. Under particularly favourable conditions, they can also take on orange or even scarlet red tones. Flowering takes place between February and March, before the leaves appear. The flowers are small, bright yellow, grouped in simple or compound umbels. As Lindera obtusiloba is a monoecious species, each individual carries distinct male and female flowers. The male flowers contain several prominent stamens, while the female flowers are centred around a small ovary. Each flower, measuring 1 to 2 cm in diameter, consists of 3 small open yellow petals. These fragrant flowers attract pollinators. After pollination, the female flowers are followed by small black drupes that ripen in late summer or early autumn. Although small, these fruits are an important source of food for local wildlife, particularly birds. Fruit production will be enhanced if two different individuals are present in the garden.

Lindera obtusiloba finds its place in the garden of an enthusiast for rare Asian shrubs, in favourable climate and soil conditions. It is an ornamental species and useful for the small fauna of the garden. It can be used in a large shrub bed or within a large informal hedge. It heralds the return of spring and participates in the grand autumn celebration with deciduous euonymus, certain viburnums (Viburnum odoratissimum, Viburnum sargentii Onondaga'), small maples (Acer ginnala Bailey Compact ®, Acer AMPLE SURPRISE), rowans (Sorbus randaiensis), etc.

Properties: Lindera obtusiloba is known in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, for its medicinal properties.

Lindera obtusiloba - Oriental Spicebush in pictures

Lindera obtusiloba - Oriental Spicebush (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4.50 m
Spread at maturity 3.50 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time February to March
Flower size 2 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Lindera

Species

obtusiloba

Family

Lauraceae

Other common names

Oriental Spicebush

Botanical synonyms

Lindera cercidifolia, Lindera obtusiloba f. velutina, Lindera obtusiloba f. ovata, Benzoin obtusilobum

Origin

Southeast Asia

Product reference22073

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Planting and care

Plant Lindera obtusiloba in a semi-shaded position, sheltered from the scorching rays of the sun. This bush requires a non-calcareous soil, rich in humus, well-worked, and remaining moist in summer. When planting, mix the garden soil (non-calcareous) with fertiliser-enriched compost. Water generously to help the plant establish. Monitor watering during the first two or three years and in dry summers. Like many aromatic plants, this small tree is less susceptible to diseases and pests. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures below -15°C.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-bearing, well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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