Paperbush (mitsumata) Edgeworthia chrysantha
Paperbush (mitsumata) (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family, native to Central and southern China (naturalised in Japan). It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Paperbush (mitsumata) in your garden →
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Paperbush (mitsumata) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern China (naturalised in Japan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Paperbush (mitsumata) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: all parts
Related to the poisonous daphnes; its own toxicity is poorly documented, so do not eat any part.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Paperbush (mitsumata)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Paperbush (mitsumata)
- How far apart should I plant Paperbush (mitsumata)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Paperbush (mitsumata) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Paperbush (mitsumata) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Paperbush (mitsumata)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Paperbush (mitsumata) flower?
- From about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Paperbush (mitsumata) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Related to the poisonous daphnes; its own toxicity is poorly documented, so do not eat any part.
- What grows well with Paperbush (mitsumata)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Paperbush (mitsumata). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Silky, nodding balls of fragrant yellow flowers on bare cinnamon stems in late winter. Its bark fibre (mitsumata) makes washi paper, including Japanese banknotes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Winter daphne Daphne odora
- Nepalese paper plant (lokta daphne) Daphne bholua
- Garland flower (rose daphne) Daphne cneorum
- Agarwood (eaglewood, krissana) Aquilaria crassna
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander