Lindera praecox

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

Lindera praecox is a deciduous Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Thickets on hillsides and on the borders of streams and lakes.

E. Asia - Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

An oil obtained from the seed is used in lighting.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Requires a lime-free rather moist soil. Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight in a fertile moisture-retentive soil enriched with leafmould. A very ornamental plant, but it is rather tender in Britain and is best grown in a semi-shaded position on a wall. It is fairly hardy at Kew, but it only flowers well there when it is grown on a wall. Plants can be pruned right back to the base if required, though any drastic pruning is best spread over several seasons. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Give some protection from cold for at least the plants first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Benzoin praecox. Parabenzoin praecox. (Sieb.&Zucc.)Nakai.