Lindera umbellata

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

Lindera umbellata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Scrub at up to 3000 metres in W. China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The decoction is poured over rice or millet and eaten. We have no more details.

Oil: Oil

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

An oil obtained from the seed is used for 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. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Hardy to about -15°c. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. hypoglauca. L. membranacea. Benzoin umbellatum.