[1][2] The species are shrubs and small trees;[2] common names include spicewood, spicebush, and Benjamin bush.

The flowers are from greenish to white, greenish-yellow, or yellowish, with six tepals arranged in a star shape.

Usually the stamens are longer than the anthers, which in turn consist of two chambers and are directed inwards or sideways.

[2] The fruit is a small red, purple or black drupe containing a single seed, dispersed mostly by birds.

Most are found on the bottoms and edges of shallow seasonal ponds in old dune fields, but in drier areas they occur in low riverine habitat.

[citation needed] Most Lindera colonies occur in light shade beneath a forest canopy, but a few grow in almost full sunlight.