Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum

Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum is a shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves each year. It also grows as a small tree in the wild. Its native range covers southern China, Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam. It grows in thickets and forests on mountain slopes. It also grows by streams below 5,580 feet [1,700 metres]. Kew places it in a subtropical climate zone. Useful Tropical Plants records it in warm temperate and tropical areas.

Garden sources give a height of about 10 feet [3 metres]. Wild plants range from about 3–33 feet [1–10 metres]. Chicago Botanic Garden says it has an upright form. Its list gives May through August for the white blooms. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Butterflies are among those that visit them. Flowers grow on shoots that form in the current season.

Grow this shrub in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam and clay. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. Rich soil with plenty of humus suits it best. Keep the soil moist while the plant grows. Choose a site safe from cold winds that dry plants out. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 6–9. Severe cold may kill stems down to ground level. Plants can then grow new shoots from the base. Mulch can help them recover. Prune while the plant is dormant, or at rest. This supports blooms on new growth.

Its upright form suits borders or use as a specimen. People also grow it for medicine in southern Chinese home gardens. Growers can use seed, root cuttings or suckers for new plants. Seeds can sprout at uneven rates. They take 20–60 days at 20°C. PFAF says to keep seedlings under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside after the last frost you expect. Growers can divide suckers while the plant is dormant.

People cook the leaves for food. PFAF gives this food use a low rating. In traditional medicine, people use leaves and roots for fever. They also use them to increase urine flow. PFAF reports effects against certain microbes that are bacteria. These records describe uses, not proof of safe treatment. Both PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants report no known hazards. That does not prove safety for pets or every human use.