Daphniphyllum macropodum, commonly known as False Daphne, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the understory of broad-leaved forests in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. In the wild, it can grow into a small tree, but in gardens, it is typically maintained as a well-branched, dense shrub reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) with a similar spread. The plant has a lush, tropical appearance with large, leathery, blue-green leaves that can add textural interest to a garden setting. While it does not produce conspicuous flowers, the small, greenish blooms that appear in spring are followed by attractive blue-black fruit in the fall, which can provide visual interest and attract wildlife.

False Daphne is valued for its shade tolerance and evergreen foliage, making it an excellent choice for creating year-round structure in shaded garden areas, woodland settings, or as a background plant in mixed borders. It requires consistent moisture but is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Gardeners should provide protection from strong winds and scorching sun, as the leaves can be sensitive. Propagation is typically done by heel cuttings or fresh seed, although it may be slow to establish. It is relatively free from major pests and diseases, but it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0