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Spicebush

Classification:

Family: Lauraceae, laurel family
Genus species: Lindera benzoin

Leaves:
Leaves are oval, widest beyond the middle of the leaf. Leaf edges are untoothed. Leaves are aromatic when crushed.

Flowers:
Flowers are small, yellow, arranged in clusters, produced before leaves emerge in the spring.

Fruit:
Fruit is a small red berry.

Habitat:
Spicebush grows in the forest understory.

More Information:

The genus Lindera is named for Johann Linder (1678-1723), a Swedish botanist.  The species name, benzoin, is from the Arabic for "perfume."

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