Helwingia chinensis, commonly known as Narrow-Leaved Chinese Helwingia, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of temperate forests and mountainous regions in South Central China and Southeast Asia. It typically reaches a height of 5-9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters) and a width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). This shrub is characterized by its glossy, narrow leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that bloom in spring. The flowers are unique in that they appear on the midrib of the leaves. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, they are of interest due to their unusual placement. The plant may also produce small, black drupes that are not commonly seen in cultivation.

Narrow-Leaved Chinese Helwingia is valued for its attractive evergreen foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It can be used as a specimen plant, in woodland gardens, or as part of a mixed shrub border. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is generally free from major pests and diseases. However, it may not tolerate extremely hot or dry conditions well.CC BY-SA 4.0