The identity of Chinese material named as Daphne pseudomezereum needs confirmation - it is described as only growing from 15 - 40cm tall, as having glabrous rather than glaucous leaves, and ovoid rather than ellipsoid fruit[].

Common Name:

General Information

Daphne pseudomezereum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[, ]. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - northeast China (Jilin, Liaoning), Korea, central and southern Japan.

Habitat

Mountainous areas[]. Forests; at elevations from 800 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Daphne pseudomezereum is a moderately cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[].
Prefers a cool lime-free soil that is well-drained[].
Plants are summer-deciduous[]. Their flowers are produced in terminal clusters[].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A paper is made from the fibrous bark[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place[]. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.