PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes brightest fall foliage color
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; highly drought tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; withstands hot, dry summer conditions without supplemental water
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate compound leaves with glossy green summer foliage, turning bright red and orange in fall; emits citrusy aroma when crushed
- Flower: Small, yellow-green dioecious blooms that emerge before leaves in early spring
- Stem: Slender brown stems with fine soft hairs on young growth
Care Guide
Watering
Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells; avoid overwatering
Fertilization
Apply well-composted organic matter once in early spring. Avoid synthetic fertilizers to preserve natural drought tolerance
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around the base of the shrub to boost soil calcium levels without causing nutrient buildupPruning
- Prune in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead, damaged branches
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Trim spreading groundcover stems to control growth and maintain desired boundary
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse reactions
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; leaves may be used in herbal teas in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental groundcover for erosion control; provides nectar for early spring pollinators; host plant for butterfly larvae
