Pondspice Litsea aestivalis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Glabraria geniculata
- Laurus aestivalis
- Litsea geniculata
- Phonetic Spelling
- LIT-see-a ee-STIV-ah-liss
- Description
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Pondspice, is a native deciduous small tree or large shrub in the Lauraceae (laurel) family measuring 10-20 feet in height. It is rare and only found on the coastal plains of the southeastern United States from Florida to Maryland. It is listed as endangered in Florida and Maryland, and as threatened in Georgia. It may be found on the edge of swamps, cypress ponds, Carolina bays, and may form thickets near pond margins. The clearing and draining of wetlands has reduced this species' habitats making it a vulnerable species.
Pondspice reproduces by seeds dispersed by birds or small mammals and by suckering or rhizomes. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The branches have a zigzag pattern which is distinctive for this species. The pondberry, Lindera melissifolia, may be found in thickets near pond margins along with this plant. It is easily confused with pondberry and spicebush. Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) grows only about 6 feet high and has sassafras-like scented leaves. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), has noticeably larger leaves, oval fruit, and spicy scented twigs which do not zigzag.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Pondspice as well as other species of the Laurel family are at risk of being infected with a fungal disease known as Laurel Wilt. The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle is responsible for spreading the fungus which has resulted in threatening and endangering the native species of Pondspice and Pondberry.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Litsea
- Species:
- aestivalis
- Family:
- Lauraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern United States
- Distribution:
- Coastal Plains of Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- The female Pondspice flower attracts bees and flies for nectar and pollination. Birds and small mammals feed on the berries.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit, which occurs in the fall, is red, round, fleshy, and measures 0.2 to 0.4 inch long.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Petals:
- Colored Sepals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The tiny flowers of the Pondspice appear in clusters on the tips of the branches and emerge before the leaves appear. Each flower is 0.25 inches wide and has 6 yellow sepals. The female and male flowers grow on separate plants. The female flowers have 1 ovary, 9 non functional stamens, 1 pistil, and ring of nectar producing glands. The male flowers have 9 stamens and 4 openings on the anther. They bloom in late winter to early spring from March to April.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Smooth
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The small leaves are green through the spring and summer months, but in the fall, they turn to a bright yellow.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Zig Zags
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The branches are reddish brown in color, smooth to sparsely pubescent and have a distinctive zigzag shape.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Pond
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Shade Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Small Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
