Lindera obtusiloba - Oriental Spicebush

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.