Orixa japonica aka East Asian Orixa

Orixa japonica, or Japanese orixa, is a deciduous shrub. It belongs to Rutaceae, the rue family. Its native range spans central and southern China to southern Korea. It also grows wild in central and southern Japan. It lives in woods, scrub, and on cliffs. These habitats reach about 4,265 feet [1,300 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, it grows 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. Its spread reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. The shrub has slender branches and a broad, bushy form. Chicago Botanic Garden also describes its shape as upright. It takes about five to ten years to mature. Its dark green leaves have a scent. In autumn, they turn a soft, pale yellow. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Small flowers appear in May and June. Their tones range from green to white. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male plants bear small groups of flowers. Female plants carry single flowers and may set autumn fruit. The brown fruit has four lobes. Each fruit measures about 0.8 inches [0.02 metres] across. The flowers are small, while the leaves add scent and autumn colour.

This shrub accepts a wide range of garden sites. The RHS lists sun, part shade, and full shade. Chicago Botanic Garden lists part shade as its exposure. It grows in chalk, clay, loam, or sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Good drainage matters, since it does not suit waterlogged ground. It accepts moist soil but also tolerates dry ground. Exposed sites are suitable as well as sheltered ones. The RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 6–9.

Garden uses include borders, beds, informal gardens, and hedges. PFAF also lists it for woodland edges and dappled shade. It can form a dense hedge within five years. The RHS describes few usual pest or disease problems. Grow new plants from seed sown in spring. Semi-ripe cuttings offer another method in midsummer. PFAF records cooked young leaves as an edible part. It describes their scent as spicy. The same source records use for reducing fever. That record does not establish medical safety or effectiveness. PFAF lists no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety for every use.