Wintersweet

Chimonanthus nitens, C. praecox

flower · infusion

Waxy yellow flowers that open in the depths of winter, with a powerful scent, dried and steeped as tea.

Origin

China

Where to find it

Planted in classical Chinese gardens, as in Suzhou and Hangzhou, and in Europe in winter gardens.

Season (United States)

December to February

Preparation

Only the flowers: the seeds are toxic to the nervous system.

Did you know?

It flowers on bare branches in January: its Chinese name, la mei, means “wax plum”.