Also known as Winter Honeysuckle, Sweet-breath-of-spring is a commonly planted large semi-evergreen shrub from China that persists after cultivation but rarely escapes in North Carolina. The flowers are as sweetly fragrant as the scientific name indicates. It blooms in late winter; the scent is one of the first breaths of spring.

Chapel Hill, NC 3/4/06.

The small leaves are opposite and entire. During warm winters, blooming may start in mid-January.

Chapel Hill, NC 1/15/07.

The flowers are not very showy except when seen up close, but their incredible perfume can be smelled from a distance.

Chapel Hill, NC 1/15/07.

The white flowers fade to yellow as they age.

Chapel Hill, NC 3/4/06.

The growth habit is loose, with many arching branches.

Chapel Hill, NC 1/15/07.