Tetrapanax papyrifer

900-002D4 Tetrapanax papyrifer
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	Some years the tall suckering stems of Tetrapanax papyrifer achieve their full height of 15 feet. If it is mild, the broad leaves will persist throughout the winter even with a thin layer of snow on them. Other years the leaves and stems are cut to the ground by early frost. In the spring, we find new suckering stems emerging. Soon they will develop their enormous palmately divided leaves with felted undersides. Late in the season, each stem forms a densely wooly knob at the top. If there is enough heat, it will open up into a 20-inch panicle of white flowers. Again, if the season continues mild, dark fruits will develop. Over time, the loose colony of stems in our garden has reached fifteen feet across, but we have found ways to companion it with a mix of perennials and shrubs. A note of caution - we have learned to wear gloves when handling the leaves because their fine hairs can irritate the skin. White 15 ft. x spreading White flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10*