Disporum is a genus of about 20 plants that are native to southern and eastern Asia in higher elevations. They are both clumping and rhizomatous types that have drooping bell-shaped flowers at the end of the stems that attract butterflies. They will grow up to 3 feet tall with arching stems and attractive green leaves. Some varieties spread quickly by rhizomes so leave remove for them to spread. They can be divided to control the size and do their best in cool summer areas. Use disporum in the woodland garden or in part shade to shady borders. Some varieties can be used as ground cover. They need fertile, moist, well-drained soil and can be slow to start. Be sure and provide plenty of water, especially during the first year and then during dry spells. The US native species that were originally included in this genus are now placed in the genus Prosartes . Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet; 3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect; Multi-stemmed
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Green leaves are linear to lance-shaped with 3-7 veins and 2-6 inches long. They may or may not have a stem. May have yellow fall color. There are also varieties with variegated leaves.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary; Umbel
Flower shape
Bell
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The large drooping bell-shaped flowers have 6 sepals and 6 stamens. They occur in groups or solitary at the end of branches in the spring. They are generally white or yellow.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Green; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Green berries appear in fall and mature to red or purple
Stem detail
Forked branches
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Russia to Indo-China
Wildlife value
Attracts butterflies
Attracts
Butterflies
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Berry
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Naturalized Area; Walkways; Woodland
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Rain Garden; Water Garden
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. None known, but suspected due to its relationship with other toxic plants. Poison Part: Berries suspected due to its relationship with other toxic plants in the Lily family. Poison Delivery Mode: Ingestion