Lauraceae

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, yDennis G. Watson
Otros contactos: Michael G. Andreu

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean
Otros contactos: Michael G. Andreu

This handsome North American native evergreen tree can reach 50 feet in height with a comparable spread but is often seen somewhat shorter and wider, particularly when grown in the open in an urban area. The glossy, leathery, medium to dark green, six-inch leaves emit a spicy fragrance when crushed and the inconspicuous, springtime flower clusters are followed by small, dark blue fruits which ripen in fall. These fruits are enjoyed by birds and squirrels and add to the tree's overall attractiveness. The trunk bears very showy, ridged, red-brown bark and frequently branches low to the ground forming a multi-stemmed habit similar to live oak, but it can be pruned to make a single, short central leader which would be most suitable for many urban plantings.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the spicebush (Lindera benzoin), a large shrub native to Florida. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and aromatic properties. The spicebush thrives in sunny locations, displaying vibrant fall colors, and is suitable for various landscaping uses such as borders and naturalizing. The document also discusses the plant’s soil tolerances, light requirements, and pest resistance, noting that it has few serious disease problems and can be established from a container despite being difficult to transplant from a field nursery. Original publication date October 1999.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, Mary McKenzie, and Heather V. Quintana

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.