Little did I know that there are more than 80 species of lindera or spicebush. Many are superior ornamental shrubs, yet largely unavailable. Of the 80, only 3 are native to North America, Lindera benzoin being the best known, a lovely, deciduous shrub and a favored food source for the spicebush swallowtail. Others are primarily native to Eastern Asia and Japan, all shrubs, some reaching 20 feet and quite a number of them are evergreen or at least very persistent when it comes to foliage.

My favorite (only because it's one I've been able to find), is the willow leaf spicebush or Lindera glauca var. salicifolia. In this case the foliage is actually winter brown, summer green and fall spectacular. Providing a long season of interest - October to March, the fall color is outstanding and the winter leaves persist and turn tan, even rustling as winter winds blow.

I have 3 in my high shade garden, where they will eventually reach 15 feet with an equal spread. From 2 different sources, one in Pennsylvania, the other Connecticut. The Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania has chosen Lindera glauca var. salicifolia as a Gold Medal winner, given to plants that exemplify outstanding merit.

Few shrubs have such an unusual season of interest, which has attracted the attention of the cut flower industry. One can hope that demand might push growers to produce more. It seems that propagation is a bit of a challenge, both from cuttings and seed. The slender leaves (salicifolia refers to - like a salix or willow) of winter are a beautiful khaki brown and hold up well as a cut stem. I know that they surpass any other shrub for brilliant color in October and November, challenged only by the fall color on maple trees, with shades of orange and red.

As the leaves slowly turn and gain their winter color, I'm grateful for a shrub that is so hardy, so beautiful and (maybe best of all) deer resistant.