unfamiliar broadleaf evergreen

flotsam50, member

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This broadleaf evergreen shrub produces hanging clusters of small creamy-white flowers with yellow anthers. It is currently blooming here (in late August) in our garden in the Pacific Northwest. The plant has glossy, dark green, obovate leaves and a rangy habit. However, it may be that the leggyness of the growth has to do with its shady location, directly beneath a large Gingko tree. At present the shrub stands about 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Any help identifying it would be much appreciated.

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invasive mystery

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Found at Bunratty Folk Village - Ireland

Comments (7)

Msinformed writes: Okay-how about Illicium? Not very common here but if it was common we'd all know what it is. Dan Hinkley's book The Explorer's Garden Shrubs and Vines has a section on Illicium, he says the crushed leaves have a 'telltale licorice-scented' oil. At least one photo in the book has the baby fist like flower buds that seem to me the most unusual feature in your picture. If you have seen the flowers open, you should be able to tell whether it is, or isn't Illicium.
But, but, the leaves in his pictures look more sharply pointed... Posted: 8:28 pm on February 15th

notjustpansies writes: if the flower cluster have a wonderful very powerful but not overpowering sweet smell, this may be edgeworthia chrysantha also known as paper bush.. here in nc the blooms start forming in oct-nov and are fully opened in feb-mar not an evergreen here but will have these wonderful clusters of beautiful smelling flowers on bare stems and then starts budding leaves in early spring...good luck.
Posted: 12:38 pm on November 15th

flotsam50 writes: @MSinformed And one more, very important difference--our mystery shrub blooms in late summer, whereas Pittosporum tobira generally blooms in spring. Posted: 3:59 pm on August 30th

flotsam50 writes: @MSinformed An interesting suggestion, but this shrub has several characteristics that would indicate Pittosporum tobira is NOT a match. The Pittosporum has leaves with recurving edges whereas this shrub's leaves are quite flat. In addition, although its flowers do have five petals, they are not simply oval like those of the Pittosporum but instead have a central cleft-- heart-shaped, if you will. Also, the anthers are bright yellow, forming what looks like a bright ball of yarn, which again stands in contrast to the smooth, pale green, nut-like center of the Pittosporum tobira flower. Posted: 3:54 pm on August 30th

Msinformed writes: It would help to know the dimension of the leaves but my guess is Pittosporum tobira. The variegated one used to be fairly common in PNW but it is a bit more tender than the all green. Leaves have a sharp odor when crushed, and flowers open to five petals.
Mine is more compact, and blooms heavily (in full sun) and it does produce fruit-a sort of nutlet. Posted: 10:58 pm on August 29th

flotsam50 writes: @Linneaz Thank you for your comments. However, while the shrub bears some resemblance to Daphne laureola (spurge laurel), it differs significantly in several ways. First, this shrub's leaves are rounder or less lanceolate. Moreover, its flowers are fewer, hanging in small, slightly pendulous clusters, and they are waxier, less tubular (spherical when closed), and have more prominent anthers (i.e., structurally unlike those of any Daphne). Finally, it does not produce any berries. Posted: 2:01 pm on August 28th

Linneaz writes: It would appear to be spurge laurel, an escapee from English gardens. Properly known as Daphne laureola subsp. laureola. Although picturesque, it is considered a dangerous invader as all parts of it are very poisonous. Posted: 12:28 pm on August 28th

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