Chinese Fringe Flower
Loropetalum chinense · Hamamelidaceae (Witch-Hazel family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen
Shape
Ovate to elliptic with an asymmetrical base
Margin
Entire (smooth) with a slightly wavy edge
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate, with a prominent midrib and faint secondary branching veins.
Key Features
Small, alternate, ovate leaves with dark purple or burgundy coloration, offset/asymmetrical leaf bases, and fine pubescence.
Description
This is a small, dark purple leaf belonging to a cultivar of Chinese Fringe Flower, an evergreen shrub known for its vibrant ribbon-like spring blooms and striking year-round foliage.
Habitat
Thrives in USDA zones 7-10 in acidic, well-draining soils under partial shade to full sun.
Native Range
Native to woodlands and hills of China, Japan, and the Himalayas; widely cultivated as an ornamental plant across subtropical and temperate regions globally.