The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: grayblue spicebush, silver spicebush

Family: Lauraceae (laurel family)

Distribution: e. Asia

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This is a low-maintenance shrub or tree of moderate growth 10-15 ft. tall and 5-10 ft. wide. It has fragrant blossoms of green and yellow flowers in spring. In fall, it bears red fruit and leaves that turn purple. Both male and female plants are needed to bear fruit. The leaves are dried, ground, and mixed into noodles or dumplings as a flavoring in Asia where this shrub is native. The fruits are used as a substitute for pepper. The roots, branchlets, leaves, and fruit are also used medicinally in the manufacture of incense. The wood is harvested for its timber, oil and medicinal uses. Needs sun or part sun with well-drained soil, and grows in acidic, neutral or alkaline soils. Requires medium water.