Definition

Noun 1. A flowering shrub: A deciduous shrub (Chimonanthus praecox) native to Japan and China, cultivated for its highly fragrant, pale yellow to yellow flowers that bloom in late winter.

Usage Notes

• This is a compound noun referring to a specific plant species. It is typically used in botanical, horticultural, and gardening contexts.
• It is often written with a hyphen: .
• The common name "allspice" in this context refers only to the fragrance of the flowers, which is often described as spicy, sweet, and complex. It is not the same plant as the tropical tree whose berries are the culinary spice "allspice."

Examples

• The Japanese allspice in the corner of the garden is already in bloom, filling the air with its sweet scent.
• For a stunning winter fragrance, consider planting Japanese allspice.
• The delicate flowers of the Japanese allspice are a welcome sight in February.

Advanced Usage

• The botanical name is used in scientific and precise gardening contexts to avoid confusion with other plants called "allspice."
• It may also be referred to by other common names, such as wintersweet.

Variants and Related Words

• Wintersweet: A more common synonym for the same plant ().
• Allspice (Primary Meaning): A distinct, unrelated tropical tree () whose dried fruit is used as a spice.
• Deciduous shrub: A general category describing plants that lose their leaves seasonally, which includes Japanese allspice.

Synonyms

• Wintersweet
• (botanical name)

Notes on Different Meanings

This term has only one primary meaning as defined above. The potential for confusion lies with the unrelated culinary spice "allspice." They are different species with different uses (ornamental vs. culinary).

Noun

1. deciduous Japanese shrub cultivated for its fragrant yellow flowers