Onishibari Daphne pseudomezereum Play pronunciation

Onishibari is an ornamental deciduous shrub found in the forests of Japan and Korea. It grows up to 3 to 5 feet tall and equally as wide. This winter-flowering shrub is unique because it is a temperate woody plant that goes dormant during the summer.  As spring temperatures rise and days lengthen, the plant loses all its leaves.  When the days get cooler and shorter, it will leaf out again in the fall. It is an ideal candidate for an understory planting in deciduous woodland gardens. The genus name Daphne is derived from an Ancient Greek word, meaning "laurel." The specific epithet pseudomezereum is derived from the prefix pseudo, meaning "false," and mezereum is derived from an Arabic term, D. mezereum, that was used in pharmacology for its medicinal bark. Another common Japanese name is Natsubouz, meaning "summer shaved." This shrub is a member of the daphne family (Thymelaeaceae).

Onishibari thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Adequate mulching is required to retain moisture, particularly in full sun. It is best to avoid clay and alkaline soils. This shrub is hardy in zones 5 to 9; however, it does not like excessively hot summers and is best planted in zones 6 to 8. It is intolerant of excessive heat or drought.

Golden to greenish-yellow, 4-lobed, tubular blooms appear in clusters in late winter to early spring, usually in March and April, and grow on short stalks. Its leaves are dull green, simple, and oblanceolate. Red berries appear after flowering. 

Consider this shrub for uses as a border planting, foundation planting, or in a woodland garden for early spring flowers. Remember, during the summer months, it will have shed its leaves. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Overwatering can cause root rot. It is also susceptible to scale insects and viral diseases. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Wear protective gloves when handling this shrub because skin irritation can result from the sap of this plant.