Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) Tetrapanax papyrifer
Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) (Tetrapanax papyrifer) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Araliaceae family, native to Taiwan and southern China. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Taiwan and southern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: star-shaped hairs on leaves and stems
The felt of fine hairs sheds and irritates eyes, skin and airways; wear a mask and goggles when pruning.
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 Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu)
- How far apart should I plant Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The felt of fine hairs sheds and irritates eyes, skin and airways; wear a mask and goggles when pruning.
- What grows well with Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu). 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
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Enormous felted, lobed leaves on suckering stems; dies back in cold winters and regrows. The white stem pith was cut into “rice paper” for Chinese export paintings.
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
- Common ivy Hedera helix
- Mountain cabbage tree Cussonia paniculata
- Korean ginseng Panax ginseng
- Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) Fatsia japonica
- Ming aralia Polyscias fruticosa
- Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) Heptapleurum arboricola
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron