Spice bush, Spicewood, Wild Allspice, Feverbush, Benjamin bush
Lindera benzoin

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

It is a rounded deciduous shrub. It grows 3 m tall. The branches are straight and upright. The leaves have a smell. They leaves are bright green and 12 cm long. The flowers are small and star shaped. They are in heads. They are greenish-yellow. The fruit are red or yellow berries. They are glossy.

There are about 80-100 Lindera species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are dried and powdered and used as a spice. They are a substitute for allspice. The bark from the roots and stems is used for tea. The young leaves and fruit can be used for tea. The new bark can be chewed.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, spice, bark, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Benzoin odoriferum Nees; Benzoin aestivale (L.) Nees; Lindera benzoin var. pubescens (Palmer & Steyermark) Rehd.; and several others