This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Lindera benzoin
  • Spice Bush

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Lindera genus in the family Lauraceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • partial shade
    Partial shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • very acid,acid,neutral
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Lindera benzoin has 0 edible uses listed
Lindera benzoin has 0 material uses listed
Lindera benzoin has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The young leaves, twigs and fruit contain an aromatic essential oil and make a very fragrant tea[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The twigs are best gathered when in flower as the nectar adds considerably to the flavour[6].

The dried and powdered fruit is used as a substitute for the spice 'allspice'[7][8][1][2][3][6]. The fruit is about the size of an olive[9]. The leaves can also be used as a spice substitute[1].

The new bark is pleasant to chew[6].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Material uses

The leaves contain small quantities of camphor and can be used as an insect repellent and disinfectant[10]. An oil with a lavender-like fragrance is obtained from the leaves[9].

The fruit, upon distillation, yield a spice-scented oil resembling camphor[9].

An oil smelling of wintergreen is obtained from the twigs and bark[9].

Unknown part

Disinfectant
Repellent

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Spice bush has a wide range of uses as a household remedy, especially in the treatment of colds, dysentery and intestinal parasites[11][12]. It warrants scientific investigation[11].

The bark is aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stimulant and tonic[13][5][14][15]. It is pleasant to chew[14]. It is used in the treatment of coughs and colds[15]. The bark can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[12]. The fruits are carminative[11]. The oil from the fruits has been used in the treatment of bruises and rheumatism[11]. A tea made from the twigs was a household remedy for colds, fevers, worms and colic[11]. A steam bath of the twigs is used to cause perspiration in order to ease aches and pains in the body[15]. The young shoots are harvested during the spring and can be used fresh or dried[12].

The bark is diaphoretic and vermifuge. It was once widely used as a treatment for typhoid fevers and other forms of fevers[16][11].

Unknown part

Aromatic
Astringent
Diaphoretic
Febrifuge
Stimulant
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out[17]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame[17]. Cuttings of mature side-shoots, 10 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. They may root by spring. Fair to good percentage[18].

Layering.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Lindera benzoin. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a lime-free rather moist soil[17] with a pH in the range 4.5 - 6[12]. Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight in a fertile moisture-retentive soil enriched with leafmould[17]. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade[19].

Plants are hardy to about -25°c[19]. The leaves, bark and berries are very aromatic[20][16]. Plants can be pruned right back to the base if required, though any drastic pruning is best spread over several seasons[17]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[17]. The fruit has a high fat content and is much eaten by migratory birds to supply their high energy demands when migrating[21].

Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[22][12].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Lindera benzoin. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Lindera benzoin.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Lindera benzoin
Genus
Lindera
Family
Lauraceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Medicinal uses
[11][12][13][5][14][15][16]
Material uses & Functions
[10][9]
Botanic
[23][24][17]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
very acid, acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    3 x 3 meters
    Fertility
    self sterile
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    dioecious

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health (1973-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Kavasch. B. Native Harvests. Vintage Books ISBN 0-394-72811-4 (1979-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press ISBN 0-292-78958-3 (1987-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.6 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292780206 (1982-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.317.417.517.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    18. ? Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
    20. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    21. ? Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
    22. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    23. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-11
    24. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-43

    "image:Lindera benzoin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Lindera_benzoin&oldid=78331"
    Facts about "Lindera benzoin"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyLauraceae +
    Belongs to genusLindera +
    Has binomial nameLindera benzoin +
    Has common nameSpice Bush +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +
    Has edible useCondiment + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf sterile +
    Has flowers of typeDioecious +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageLindera benzoin.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDisinfectant + and Repellent +
    Has mature height3 +
    Has mature width3 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAromatic +, Astringent +, Diaphoretic +, Febrifuge +, Stimulant + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageLindera benzoin.jpg +
    Has search namelindera benzoin + and spice bush +
    Has shade tolerancePartial shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceVery acid +, Acid + and Neutral +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameLindera benzoin +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin +, Lindera benzoin + and Lindera benzoin +