How to identify Japanese spicebush (Lindera obtusiloba)
Japanese spicebush, also known as Blunt-lobe spicebush, Spice bush
Japanese spicebush is a versatile plant reaching heights of roughly 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) with an equal spread. This deciduous species showcases leaves of variable shapes - some display 1-3 lobes, while others lack lobes entirely. During the autumn season, the foliage transforms into a vivid yellow that endures for an extended period. Notably, japanese spicebush is dioecious, possessing distinct male and female plants; fruits are exclusive to the female plants.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Leaves vary with some lobed, others not; golden yellow in fall.
Unusual greenish-yellow flower clusters lacking petals, around 0.2 inches (5 mm).
Red drupes transition to near-black, clustered fruits, 0.2 inches (5 mm).
Stems shift from smooth yellow-green to brown, with corky lenticels.
Deciduous, dioecious plant with distinctive male and female trees.
The leaves of japanese spicebush are alternate, simple, and leathery with a lustrous dark green surface. They measure 2.5 to 5 inches (6.4 to 12.7 cm) in length. The leaves are ovate in shape, with a cordate base and entire margins. They may also exhibit 1, 2, or 3 lobes. In fall, they transform into a brilliant golden yellow, adding a striking contrast to their summer appearance.
Japanese spicebush produces greenish-yellow flowers that are unique in their lack of petals. These small, inconspicuous flowers are arranged in umbels, which are flat-topped clusters that appear prominently in the spring. Each umbel typically contains several flowers, creating a charming, delicate display. The flowers are about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, and they are known more for their structural simplicity than for any strong scent. This characteristic flowering pattern is a distinctive trait for identifying japanese spicebush during its blooming period.
Japanese spicebush stems, when young, are yellow-green, smooth, and striate. As they age, they become brown and scurfy, developing corky lenticels. The branchlets are initially sleek, transitioning to a more textured appearance with maturity. The main stem and larger branches exhibit a distinct change in color and surface texture over time, making them recognizable. Typical stem thickness varies, usually around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter when mature, contributing to their prominent visual identification.
The fruit of japanese spicebush is a drupe that initially presents a vibrant red hue, signaling its unripe state. Over time, these small spherical fruits, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, undergo a striking transformation, darkening to a near-black tone as they reach full maturity on the female plants. The outer texture is smooth, and the fruits are typically carried in clusters, providing a stark visual contrast against the foliage. This change in coloration from red to black is a key aspect for proper identification of japanese spicebush's fruit.
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Scientific Classification of Japanese spicebush
