Lindera angustifolia (also known as Lindera glauca var. salicifolia)
Common Name
Oriental Spicebush, sometimes called Korean Willow-leaved Spicebush
Family
Lauraceae (Laurel)
Tree or plant type / form
Deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree
Landscape Use
Use in a woodland setting or as an informal hedge or privacy screen; plant where the outstanding fall color can be enjoyed.
Season of interest and/or other ornamental feature(s)
Aromatic, light green leaves develop brilliant autumn color in shades of yellow, orange, red and maroon, then turn pale brown and remain on the plant until spring, a curious trait known as marcescence. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in spring followed, on female plants, by shiny, round, black berries by late summer.
Size at Landscape Maturity
Height: 8 to 10 feet, Spread: 6 to 8 feet wide in 10 years; can be pruned heavily or rejuvenated to control size
Light exposure
Full sun to part shade
USDA Hardiness zones
6 – 8
Origin / Native locale
Central & Eastern China, Korea
Wildlife Value (incl. pollinators)
Birds
Soil Type & Drainage
Moist, well-drained acidic soil
Tolerances
Adapts to most garden soils in full sun to fairly heavy shade; tolerates heavy pruning
Leaf Description
Elliptic-lanceolate, aromatic, glossy green leaves (each to 4″ long) with silvery undersides
Bloom Time in Northeast Ohio
Early to mid May
Flower Description
Greenish-yellow flowers
Cone / Fruit
Shiny, round, black berries in late summer on female plants
Available at
Secrest Arboretum Plant Discovery Days; rare in the nursery trade
Additional information
This plant is sometimes sold as Lindera glauca var. salicifolia. A closely related species, Lindera glauca, is similar in both botanical characteristics and ornamental value. It exhibits slightly hairy (pubescent) stems while true L. angustifolia has stems that are hairless (glabrous). Neither are common in landscapes.
Use the Secrest Aboretum Explorer to find locations where this plant is located on the Wooster campus.
