Paris polyphylla, multi-leaf paris
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Perennials

Paris polyphylla

multi-leaf paris

MelanthiaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height12–36 inches (30–90 cm)
Width9–15 inches (23–38 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Paris polyphylla, commonly called many-leaved paris or Chinese paris, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the family Melanthiaceae, native to a wide arc from the Himalayas through southern China, Taiwan, and into mainland Southeast Asia. It is a highly variable, polymorphic species with numerous recognized varieties differing in leaf count, leaf shape, flower color, and stature. Plants produce a single erect stem 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) tall topped with a single whorl of 5–10 (occasionally more) oblong to lance-shaped leaves, from the center of which arises a solitary, architecturally extraordinary flower: thread-like, yellowish-green inner tepals give a spider-like appearance contrasting with the broader green outer tepals, followed by a distinctive ornamental fruit — a red-orange fleshy capsule that splits open to reveal scarlet seeds. This fruit display in autumn is one of the plant's most valued ornamental features. Paris polyphylla has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine. All parts are toxic. Slower to establish than many woodland perennials, but long-lived and ultimately impressive.

Native Range

Native to a broad range from the eastern Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, India's Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) east through Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Guangxi provinces of China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, and into Thailand, growing in moist, shaded montane forest understory and forest margins at elevations from 3,000–12,000 feet (900–3,600 m) in humus-rich, well-drained to moist soils. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Paris polyphylla is a collector's treasure for the Pacific Northwest woodland garden, offering a unique two-season display — the architectural spidery flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by the spectacular red-orange fruit capsules splitting to reveal scarlet seeds in late summer and autumn. Best placed where it can be closely appreciated — at the front of a shaded border or in a naturalistic woodland garden with good humus-rich soil. Combines beautifully with other Asian woodland plants including Epimedium, Polygonatum, Disporum, and shade ferns. The fruit display in September and October is particularly valuable for extending interest in the woodland garden. A patient, rewarding plant for those willing to provide ideal conditions and allow time for establishment. All parts are toxic.

How to Identify

Many-leaved paris is identified by its single erect stem bearing a whorl of typically 5–10 (but sometimes more) oblong to lance-shaped leaves 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long arranged in a circle, distinctly more leaves than the closely related P. quadrifolia. From the center arises a solitary, spider-like flower with narrow, thread-like yellowish-green inner tepals (up to 2 inches / 5 cm long) contrasting with four broader green outer tepals, and prominent yellow anthers. In autumn, the ornamental fruit — a fleshy, red-orange capsule that splits to reveal bright scarlet seeds — is immediately distinctive and recognizable.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread9" - 1'3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SpringSummer
Paris polyphylla blooms in late spring to early summer in cultivation, typically May through July, with the solitary flowers lasting two to three weeks per plant. The flowers are botanically fascinating — the spidery, thread-like yellowish-green inner tepals are more architectural than conventionally attractive. The late-season fruit display (August–October) is arguably more ornamentally significant: the red-orange capsule splitting to reveal scarlet seeds provides striking color at a time when many woodland plants are past their best.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Spider-like; narrow thread-like yellowish-green inner tepals; four broader green outer tepals; yellow anthers; solitary; followed by red-orange capsule splitting to reveal scarlet seeds

Foliage Description

Lance- to oblong-shaped, mid-green, in a single whorl of 5–10 leaves at stem apex

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 3 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). In Pacific Northwest gardens it thrives in typical cool, moist woodland conditions. Plant rhizomes just below the soil surface, handling carefully as rhizomes are brittle. The plant is slow to establish — do not expect flowering for two to three years after planting. Once established it is long-lived and resents disturbance. Mulch annually with leaf mold. Keep consistently moist through the growing season; avoid summer drought. All parts are toxic.

Pruning

No routine pruning required. Allow the ornamental fruit to persist through summer and into autumn — the red-orange capsule splitting to reveal scarlet seeds is one of the most valuable ornamental features. Cut stems to ground level in late autumn after natural die-back. Do not divide unless absolutely necessary; handle rhizomes with care.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans