Lindera benzoin
Spicebush
Family Lauraceae
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Use
Tea, Seasoning. The young leaves, bark, and twigs can be boiled for tea in about 15 minutes.
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Description
Growth Form: Small tree or shrub.
Leaves: 2-6 inches. Aromatic when crushed. Thin, elliptical, toothless and almost hairless.
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Leaves
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Whole Plant
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Flowers: Clusters of yellow flowers precede leaves in the spring. Have a spicy scent.
Fruits: Oval red berry with a single seed inside.
Buds: Small, reddish brown, round, and with slight scales.
Bark: Light brown. Can be smooth to rough.
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Habitat and Range
Damp woods, stream banks, wetland areas. Southeast Kansas, Iowa, Southern Michigan, Southern Ontario, Southwest Maine, south to Texas and Florida.
Season
Leaves harvested in spring or summer. The fruits can be harvested late summer to early fall.
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Fruits
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Bark
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Fun Facts
The berries can be substituted for allspice when dried and powdered
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