Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume

Much-branched shrub to 5 m; lvs obovate to oblong or elliptic, 6–12 cm, pointed at both ends, pinnately veined, the uppermost lvs on each twig commonly the largest;petioles 5–12 mm; fls yellow, 6–7 mm wide, appearing before the lvs in dense clusters ca 2 cm thick from the nodes of last year’s stems; fr short-stalked, red, ellipsoid, 6–10 mm; 2n=24. Abundant in rich, moist woods; s. Me. to Mich., s. to Fla. and Tex. Mar.–May. (Benzoin aestivale) The northern var. benzoin, with the lvs and twigs glabrous, extends s. to Va. and Mo., and in the mts. to Ga. The more southern var. pubescens (E. J. Palmer & Steyerm.) Rehder, with the lower lf surfaces and young twigs hairy, extends n. to se. Va., s. O., sw. Mich., and Mo.

Wet woods and by streams on sandy or peaty soils. Stream banks, low woods, margins of wetlands; uplands, especially with exposed limestone, from sea level to 1200 metres.

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.

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.