The Willow Leaf Spicebush

Little did I know that there are more than 80 species of lindera or spicebush. Many are superior ornamental shrubs, yet largely unavailable. Of the 80, only 3 are native to North America, Lindera benzoin being the best known, a lovely, deciduous shrub and a favored food source for the spicebush swallowtail. Others are primarily native to Eastern Asia and Japan, all shrubs, some reaching 20 feet and  quite a number of them are evergreen or at least very persistent when it comes to foliage. 

My favorite (only because it's one I've been able to find), is the willow leaf spicebush or Lindera glauca var. salicifolia. In this case the foliage is actually winter brown, summer green and fall spectacular. Providing a long season of interest - October to March, the fall color is outstanding and the winter leaves persist and turn tan, even rustling as winter winds blow.

 

I have 3 in my high shade garden, where they will eventually reach 15 feet with an equal spread. From 2 different sources, one in Pennsylvania, the other Connecticut. The Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania has chosen Lindera glauca var. salicifolia as a  Gold Medal winner, given to plants that exemplify outstanding merit.

 

Few shrubs have such an unusual season of interest, which has attracted the attention of the cut flower industry. One can hope that demand might push growers to produce more. It seems that propagation is a bit of a challenge, both from cuttings and seed. The slender leaves (salicifolia refers to - like a salix or willow) of winter are a beautiful khaki brown and hold up well as a cut stem. I know that they surpass any other shrub for brilliant color in October and November, challenged only by the fall color on maple trees, with shades of orange and red. As the leaves slowly turn and gain their winter color, I'm grateful for a shrub that is so hardy, so beautiful and (maybe best of all) deer resistant. 

Comments

[Donna Williamson]

Great post - can you save me a couple of those seeds?

[Carolyn @ Carolyns Shade Gardens]

I love this shrub but have yet to plant it in my garden although I have seen it available. I will have to get one next year.

[Pam McGroarty]

Ooooo. I want one Does it feed the birds too?

[Karen]

Carolyn - I understand that Lindera glauca var. salicifolia is twice as large as L. glauca var. angustifolia. There is a lot of confusion out there on the names and growth. I wonder if you can get both?
Donna - I will save some seed and put it in the fridge. If you come this way, stop by.
Pam - I don't know about the birds, but the seed is the right size for most and they do disappear.

[Cherie]

I have been trying to purchase online or anywhere for several years lindera glauca var salicifolia. I live in zone 6 southeast corner of Kansas. Would love to purchase one from you or find out where you got yours thanks so much, cherie

[Karen]

Cherie, The problem is always availability with this plant. I bought mine at https://www.brokenarrownursery.com/

I don't know if they sell mail order, I picked mine up.