Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lauraceae

Genus:

Lindera

Species:

Lindera melissifolia

USDA Symbol:

LIME7

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Fragrant:

Yes

Fall Color:

red, purple

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout after fire; fire helps maintain open canopy in its wetland habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moist, organic loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Often found in wetland areas or near water bodies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 3-4 months; germination occurs in spring.