Also known as Mitsumata, Golden Paperbush, Chinese Paperbush, Yellow Daphne
Oriental paperbush is a striking deciduous shrub famous for producing spherical clusters of intensely fragrant, tubular yellow blooms clothed in silky white hairs on completely bare branches in late winter. Its remarkably flexible stems can bend or tie into loose knots without snapping, an adaptation stemming from strong bast fibers historically harvested to make premium Japanese banknotes and washi paper. In summer, broad blue-green leaves form an umbrella-like canopy before dropping in late autumn to reveal prominent, silvery flower buds.
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
Slugs
Snails
Spider Mites
ThreatsHabitat clearing and localized overharvesting of wild populations
HabitatsMoist deciduous forests, stream banks, mountain valleys, and cultivated gardens
Life span15–30 years
Classification
OrderMalvales
FamilyThymelaeaceae
GenusEdgeworthia
SpeciesEdgeworthia chrysantha
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Tissues contain irritant diterpenes; avoid ingestion and wash skin promptly after handling sap.
Why it is dangerous
Contains daphnane-type diterpene esters that cause painful oral inflammation, digestive upset, and blistering contact dermatitis upon skin contact with the sap.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a multistemmed shrub with silky, nodding clusters of tubular yellow flowers and smooth, highly pliable brownish stems.
What to do
Admire the fragrant blooms from a short distance and wear protective gloves if pruning or moving branches.
Responsible observation
Bloom Timing: Look for blossoms in late winter to early spring before the foliage appears.
Scent Experience: Lean in gently to appreciate the sweet, clove-and-honey fragrance on calm days.
Careful Handling: Wear gardening gloves when pruning, as the sap may irritate sensitive skin.
