A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is an evergreen tree that primarily comes from China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Commercially, camphor tree is used in the production of camphor and timber. Camphor, a waxy substance, is used to make gunpowder, incense, and insect repellent.

The japanese cherry tradition, called Hanami, where people have picnics and outdoor parties under these trees, is a popular attraction. The excellent spring colors of the Prunus serrulata tree attract butterflies like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Its showy pink and white flowers are in full bloom in early to mid-spring, and some are fragrant.

East Asian mallotus (Mallotus japonicus) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 3.5 to 4.5 m tall. Blooms from spring to summer with creamy yellowish-white flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Seeded fruit ripens in summer. Also known as the food wrapper plant the large leaves were once used to wrap food.

A unique feature of the confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis) is its color-changing flowers. This shrubby rose bush blooms starting as white in the morning, turn pink at midday, and end red by the end of the day. This is a common plant species and although it is native to Southeast China, it can now be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Kurogane holly (Ilex rotunda) is one of the most attractive hollies and is an evergreen that will grow to 15 m tall. Native to Japan it has been growing in the United States for some 200 years. It blooms in spring with bright red berries ripening in fall to winter offering a stunning display for winter.

Ring-cupped oak (Quercus glauca) is an evergreen tree that can grow from 14 to 18 m tall. New foliage is a distinctive purple that turns green as the leaves mature. Blooms in spring with brownish catkin flowers. Produces acorns in summer and fall, providing food for small animals. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.

The chinaberry tree is considered an invasive species in many areas because of its tendency to grow into impassable thickets and crowd out other plants. The entire chinaberry tree is poisonous to humans and many other animals, although cows and some birds have no problems eating the fruit.

This deciduous tree, the chinese hackberry or Celtis sinensis, is a deciduous tree and a member of the hemp family. It can grow to about 18 m tall. It can be considered invasive.

The kousa dogwood is known for its ornamental appeal. The showy flowers and bark, as well as the lovely fall foliage, make this vase-shaped tree a great addition to your patio, yard, or lawn. The tree matures to about 9 m high and is often just as wide.

Chinese tallow is a weedy tree native to China and Japan. It has been introduced to areas such as Puerto Rico, Sudan, and the southeast United States. It is considered highly invasive in India, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States. It displaces native plants by absorbing their nutrients and forming a monoculture. Control of this weed's prolific spread causes significant economic strains in eastern Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi. Chinese tallow is poisonous to humans and cattle and may cause contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, it has been used for ornamental and cosmetic purposes. The weed can be controlled via mechanical removal and powerful herbicides.

Chinese tallow is a fast-growing shade tree native to China. It can tolerate urban areas well and helps to provide shade in mostly concrete areas and home to small animals that may live in cities. The nectar of chinese tallow is used by beekeepers to produce high quality honey. And although the oils derived from the tree can be toxic, they do have commercial purposes.

Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) is a large evergreen flowering shrub. Sweet osmanthus's small white and orange flowers smell like apricots. This species is also referred to as by the Fragrant Tea Olive.

Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Albizia julibrissin, colloquially known as persian silk tree, is a deciduous plant with characteristic pink, fuzzy inflorescences. Persian silk tree is mainly cultivated for decorative purposes. Its flowers have a mild, sweet smell and are often visited by butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

The japanese persimmon tree adds interest and flavor to your edible landscape. These deciduous trees are easy to grow, but do not tolerate very cold temperatures. Blooms appear in mid-spring, and the distinctive persimmon fruit and brightly colored foliage last through the fall. Japanese persimmon fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. They have been cultivated for over 2,000 years in China.

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.