Japanese spicebush (Lindera obtusiloba)
Also known as: Blunt-lobe spicebush, Spice bush
The japanese spicebush is a flowering herbaceous shrub that is endemic to several Asian countries. It is traditionally used as a medicinal herb in Southeast Asian countries. In early spring, it produces small, yellow flowers with a spicy aroma. The RHS awarded this plant the Garden Merit Award.
In This Article
Attributes of Japanese spicebush
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
3 m to 6 m
Spread
3 m to 4.5 m
Leaf Color
Green Yellow
Flower Size
0.5 to 1 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Green
Images of Japanese spicebush
Quickly Identify Japanese spicebush
1
Leaves vary with some lobed, others not; golden yellow in fall.
2
Unusual greenish-yellow flower clusters lacking petals, around 0.2 inches (5 mm).
3
Red drupes transition to near-black, clustered fruits, 0.2 inches (5 mm).
4
Stems shift from smooth yellow-green to brown, with corky lenticels.
5
Deciduous, dioecious plant with distinctive male and female trees.
Scientific Classification of Japanese spicebush
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Laurales
Family
Laurel
Genus
Spicewoods
Species
Japanese spicebush
