Lindera glauca var. salicifolia is a deciduous shrub prized for its elegant willow like foliage, aromatic leaves, and striking yellow fall color. It brings graceful form to the landscape and provides multi season interest with reddish stems in winter and delicate greenish yellow flowers in spring. Its foliage emits a pleasant citrus scent when brushed or crushed.
Height & Spread: 8 - 10 ft x 6 - 8 ft
Bloom Time: Early spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
Native to East Asia including China and Japan. While not native to North America, Lindera glauca var. salicifolia adapts well to temperate landscapes and supports several wildlife functions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Early spring flowers provide a valuable nectar and pollen source for emerging native bees including Andrena and Osmia species.
Butterflies
- Foliage serves as a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) and supports Spring Azure butterflies through shelter and microhabitat.
Birds
- Fruits are consumed by thrushes, catbirds, and other songbirds during autumn migration.
Moths
- Larvae of moths such as the Tulip Tree Beauty feed on its foliage contributing to local food webs.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 6 - 10 ft apart to allow for naturalized form and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for woodland borders, shade gardens, or naturalistic screens where its aromatic foliage and fall color can be appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' - Fragrant summer flowers and vibrant red seed capsules complement Lindera's golden fall foliage.
- Itea virginica 'Henry’s Garnet' - Long racemes of white flowers and deep burgundy fall foliage provide a layered seasonal contrast.
- Fothergilla gardenii - Compact form and honey scented bottlebrush blooms add spring interest and native appeal.
- Amsonia hubrichtii - Airy threadleaf texture and golden fall tones mirror Lindera’s autumn palette.
- Carex pensylvanica - A fine textured native sedge for groundcover beneath Lindera’s arching branches.