| 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.
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| The small leaves are opposite and entire. During warm winters, blooming may start in mid-January. Chapel Hill, NC 1/15/07.
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| 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.
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| The white flowers fade to yellow as they age. Chapel Hill, NC 3/4/06.
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| The growth habit is loose, with many arching branches. Chapel Hill, NC 1/15/07.
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