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Corylopsis pauciflora Sieb. & Zucc.

Modern name

Corylopsis pauciflora Siebold & Zucc.

A shrub of spreading habit 4 to 6 ft high; branches slender, glabrous. Leaves more or less broadly ovate, heart-shaped at the base, acutely pointed; 112 to 3 in. long, 1 to 2 in. wide; with a few bristle-like teeth, glabrous and bright green above, somewhat silky beneath on the veins and margins; stalk slender, 13 to 34 in. long. Flowers primrose-yellow, about 34 in. across, produced two, sometimes three together on short spikes; basal bracts of spike pale green, thin, hairy inside. Bot. Mag., t. 7736.

Native of Japan; introduced by Messrs Veitch. Although the spikes of this charming little shrub are shorter and fewer-flowered than in C. spicata and other species, the blossom itself is larger, more open, and more beautiful. The plant itself is not so hardy as C. spicata, and I have known it destroyed by severe cold; owing to its early growth also, spring frosts frequently pinch the young shoots. But given a cool, moist position, where it is protected from searing winds and late frost, it is quite hardy and grows quickly, flowering unfailingly every year. It delights in close woodland conditions and is intolerant of excessive sun, which stunts the plant and burns the edges of the leaves. Where well suited, there is no more delightful March-flowering shrub but unfortunately it does not thrive on chalky soils. It differs from the other hardy species in its large, open corollas and few-flowered inflorescence.


Genus

Corylopsis

Other species in the genus