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Daphniphyllum spp.
daphniphyllum
Overview
Daphniphyllum is a genus of evergreen, dioecious shrubs and small trees in the family Daphniphyllaceae, with roughly ten to thirty species native to eastern and southeastern Asia. Plants reach 6-30 feet (1.8-9 m) tall, forming a dense rounded crown of leathery, oblong leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long that are clustered toward the shoot tips, dark green above and often blue-grey beneath, with red or pink leaf stalks that recall a rhododendron. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants in spring; both are small, green, and petalless, gathered in clusters among the leaves and easily overlooked. Female plants ripen ovoid blue-black fruits about 0.4 inch (1 cm) long, each holding a single seed. The foliage and fruit contain daphniphyllum alkaloids and are considered mildly toxic if eaten. The genus grows in moist broadleaf and mixed forest on acidic, humus-rich soils, from warm-temperate to subtropical zones. D. macropodum, hardy to about USDA zone 7, is grown as an evergreen foliage shrub for its bold leaves and red leaf stalks in shaded gardens.
Native Range
Daphniphyllum is native to eastern and southeastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Himalayas, and the Malay Archipelago. It grows in moist broadleaf and mixed forest on acidic soils. The genus does not occur naturally outside Asia.Suggested Uses
Daphniphyllum is grown as an evergreen foliage shrub or small tree for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and screening, for its bold leaves and red leaf stalks. It works as a backdrop to lower planting and as an informal evergreen screen. Female plants add autumn fruit where a male pollinator is nearby.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Daphniphyllum flowers in spring, generally April to May, with small green petalless flowers clustered among the leaves on separate male and female plants. The flowers are wind- and insect-pollinated and largely inconspicuous. Female plants ripen blue-black fruits through autumn that may persist into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green, blue-grey beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight