Osmanthus
Osmanthus fragrans
Family: Oleaceae · Also called Sweet Olive, Guihua, Kinmokusei
Floral · Autumn bloomer
Osmanthus is China's most beloved fragrant flower, tiny clusters of golden-orange blossoms that perfume entire cities during autumn. The scent is extraordinary and difficult to classify: fruity like ripe apricots, floral like a fine tea, with hints of leather and suede. The flowers are so small they're easy to miss, but the fragrance is impossible to ignore.
love, fidelity, fertility, nobility
In the Victorian language of flowers, osmanthus means “Noble love and faithfulness”. In China, osmanthus (guihua) is one of the most culturally significant fragrant plants, osmanthus-scented tea, wine, and cakes are traditional autumn delicacies. The Moon Palace in Chinese mythology contains an osmanthus tree. In the Mid-Autumn Festival, osmanthus wine is traditionally served.
Did You Know?
Osmanthus absolute is one of the most expensive perfumery materials, costing around $4,000 per kilogram. The flowers are used in Chinese cuisine, osmanthus jelly, osmanthus wine, and osmanthus tea are autumn staples. The city of Guilin, China is named after the osmanthus tree.
Forests and hillsides of southern China, Taiwan, and Japan
Osmanthus is native to East Asia. It naturally grows in forests and hillsides of southern china, taiwan, and japan.
Scent Profile
“A unique fruity-floral scent blending apricot, peach, and suede, warm, inviting, and unlike any other flower.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameOsmanthus fragrans
- FamilyOleaceae
- Native ToEast Asia
- Bloom SeasonAutumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
In China, osmanthus (guihua) is one of the most culturally significant fragrant plants, osmanthus-scented tea, wine, and cakes are traditional autumn delicacies. The Moon Palace in Chinese mythology contains an osmanthus tree. In the Mid-Autumn Festival, osmanthus wine is traditionally served.