Horticulture/Lindera

Lindera is a genus of about 80-100 species of flowering plants in the family Lauraceae, mostly native to eastern Asia but with three species in eastern North America. The species are shrubs and small trees; common names include Spicebush and Benjamin Bush.

One of the world's rarest bee species, the andrenid bee ../Andrena lauracea/ is apparently a specialist on Lindera (see ../Lindera benzoin/).

Description
The leaves can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on species, and are alternate, entire or three-lobed, and strongly spicy-aromatic. The flowers are small, yellowish, with six petaloid sepals and no petals. The fruit is a small red, purple or black drupe containing a single seed.

Growing conditions
Prefers rich, well-drained soils, but adapts well to poor soils. Part sun to dense shade.

Pests and diseases
Lindera species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including The Engrailed.