Tetrapanax papyrifer, Rice-paper plant — spreading semi-evergreen (Araliaceae) (image 1 of 10)

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Foliage Shrub

Tetrapanax, Genus, papyrifer, Species,

Genus & species

Rice-paper plant

Araliaceae Taiwan and southern China

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Tetrapanax papyrifer is a suckering, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub or small tree that grows 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) tall and 8–15 feet (2.4–4.6 m) wide, and forms colonies from underground runners. Stems are stout, sparsely branched, and filled with white pith. Leaves are palmately lobed with 5–11 lobes, 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) across, on petioles up to 3 feet (90 cm) long, medium green above and covered in dense white to buff felt-like hairs beneath. Flowers are small, cream-white, in rounded umbels grouped into terminal panicles 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) long in late fall and early winter. Fruits are black, rounded drupes 0.12 inch (3 mm) across. Hardiness is USDA zones 7–10, with foliage damaged at 15–20°F (−9 to −7°C) and stems killed at lower temperatures, followed by regrowth from roots. Wind tears the large leaves, and suckers appear up to 10 feet (3 m) from the parent stem. The felt-like hairs on young leaves detach and irritate skin and airways.

Native Range

Tetrapanax papyrifer is native to Taiwan and southern China, where it grows in moist forest margins and along streams. Pith from the stems has been cut into thin sheets in Taiwan since the 19th century, and is used for paper-like material and artificial flowers.

Suggested Uses

Tetrapanax papyrifer is used as a large-leaved foliage plant in tropical-style borders, courtyards, and woodland gardens, with 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) of space for sucker spread. It is also grown in containers of 15 gallons (57 L) or larger, and cut leaves are used in floral work.

How to Identify

Palmately lobed leaves 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) across have 5–11 lobes and white, felt-like undersides, on long petioles from a sparsely branched stem. Young shoots and new leaves are covered in dense buff hairs. Cream flowers open in large terminal panicles in late fall, followed by black fruits.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 15'

Width/Spread8' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: October–December

Fall Winter

Tetrapanax papyrifer blooms in late fall to early winter, typically October to December, with panicles 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) long. Flowers last 3–4 weeks and are visited by bees and flies when temperatures allow. Black drupes follow in winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Medium green above, white to buff felt-like hairs beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tetrapanax papyrifer grows in part shade to full sun, with 3–8 hours of direct light, in rich, moist, well-drained soil of pH 5.5–7.0. Large leaves lose water quickly and wilt in heat and drying wind, so shelter from wind and weekly watering of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) are used in dry spells. Hardiness is USDA zones 7–10, with stems dying back below 15°F (−9°C) and resprouting from roots in spring. Suckers spread the colony 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) from the parent stem. Slugs, snails, and spider mites feed on foliage.

Pruning

Pruning takes place in spring after the last frost, removing stems killed by cold to the base. Suckers outside the intended area are cut below ground with a spade, and the colony regrows from remaining roots. Stems cut to 12 inches (30 cm) in spring regrow to 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) in one season.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: March–April

early spring