Large Daphniphyllum. This large growing evergreen shrub/small tree from China and Japan was scarcely known in the U.S. 30 years ago, but the late Dr. J. C. Raulston introduced me to this plant. When Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery kept the grounds of the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, he planted several within a 100' proximity to each other, a few in the open and others under tall pines. The glabrous leaves are quite silvery underneath and appear to be a glaucous green, giving it a bluish green color from a distance. The plants are dioecious, separate male and female plants, with the female bearing blue ellipsoid fruit on numerous rachis which radiate from under the whorled leaves. If they weren't so hidden by the foliage they would be quite attractive. Full sun produces the most attractive dense habit, and it can reach to 20' or more. Initially, it is a very rapid grower. It is great for large screens and we have never experienced any disease or pest problems to date. Deer mostly avoid it as well.
Zones 6-9
