Corylopsis pauciflora, commonly known as Winter Hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of mountain forests and woodland margins in Japan and Taiwan. It typically grows to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide, with a loose, spreading habit. The plant is noted for its early spring display of pale yellow flowers in pendent racemes, which are highly valued for their subtle beauty and early bloom time, often appearing before the leaves. The foliage emerges with a bronze hue, later maturing to a rich green. The flowers are not particularly showy but are appreciated for their delicate appearance and one of the earliest signs of spring.

Winter Hazel is a favored choice for woodland gardens, shrub borders, and as a specimen in temperate landscapes. It offers multi-season interest with its attractive early flowers and colorful young foliage. While it can tolerate full sun, it prefers part shade conditions, mimicking its natural understory habitat. It requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil to thrive. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to leaf spot and blight, which can mar the foliage under wet conditions. Despite this, it remains a relatively low-maintenance plant with a non-invasive root system.CC BY-SA 4.0