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Need Help Identifying Shrub

13 years ago

I found the low growing shrub/small tree near a river. The leaves are oposite. The red berries have numerous seeds inside. Could this be Lindera benzoin, Common Spicebush? Any help appreciated. I know it's not Calycanthus occidentalis which is also called Spicebush.

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Comments (3)

Iris GW
13 years ago
Looks like invasive honeysuckle shrub (Lonicera is the scientific name). Spicebush (Lindera) has alternately arranged leaves; notice these are opposite. Look up Lonicera maackii as an example.

If this is your property, you really should consider removing this exotic invasive bush. And if there is one, there is likely more.
fatamorgana2121
13 years ago
Calycanthus occidentalis doesn't produce berries. Spicebush fruits are drupes. A drupe has a single seed/stone in it. Just from those characteristics, the plants you suggest are not possible.

By the by, spicebush is an easy one to ID with your nose. The foliage is scented....it smells, well, like spicebush! But to compare it with something you may know, it smells rather like sassafras crossed with citrus. Wonderful scent.

I don't know what the shrub is but I would look into what Lonerica (honeysuckle) may match.

FataMorgana
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lycopus
13 years ago
The long pointed leaf tips are characteristic of Lonicera maackii. I've noticed many of the images of L. mackii on the internets are misidentified.

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