Lindera obtusiloba

Blunt-lobed Spicebush Lauraceae

A small Asian tree with a big autumnal personality, this deciduous member of the Lauraceae earns its keep with aromatic, usually three-lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red before falling. In spring, clusters of tiny yellow flowers appear on the bare branches, followed by fleshy fruits that ripen red before darkening to purple-black. Native to China, Korea and Japan, extending west through the Himalayas to Bhutan, Nepal and north-eastern India, it grows in woodland, thickets and mountain valleys from near sea level to around 3,000m. There is more here than ornamental value: young leaves are traditionally used as a tea and food in East Asia, while in Korea they have been fried as part of a Buddhist ceremonial dish. Traditional Chinese and Korean medicine has also employed the plant for inflammatory complaints, bruising and circulation-related ailments; seed oil has medicinal and practical uses. A fascinating woodland shrub with a history extending well beyond the garden border, although its traditional medicinal uses should not be mistaken for proven treatments.

• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Height: 3–6m (occasionally taller)
• Spread: 3–5m
• Flowers: March–April