SafePlants

Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum)

The Harlequin Glorybower, scientifically known as Clerodendrum trichotomum, is a captivating large shrub celebrated for its late-summer floral display and interesting fruits. This deciduous shrub, native to China and Japan, has gained popularity for its fragrant flowers and showy fruit.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is sometimes referred to as the "peanut butter tree" due to the scent of its leaves when crushed. This could be of interest to some animals.
• The plant produces berries.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is sometimes referred to as the "peanut butter tree" due to the scent of its leaves when crushed.
• The plant produces berries.

Common Names

• Harlequin Glorybower
• Glorytree
• Peanut Butter Tree
• Japanese Clerodendron
• Fate Tree
• Chou Wu Tong
• Ferruginous Clerodendrum
• Chance Tree

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Clerodendrum (from the Greek words klero meaning 'fate' and dendron meaning 'tree')
• Family: Verbenaceae (verbena or vervain family), also mentioned as Lamiaceae in relation to Clerodendrum thomsoniae
• Synonyms: This information is not explicitly provided in the text but mentions that it is from the Verbenaceae family.
• Variety: Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to China and Japan.
• The text mentions its use in parks.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a large deciduous shrub, reaching up to 5 meters in height and width.
• Features lily-scented white flowers that bloom in summer, perfuming warm evenings.
• Produces shiny blue or turquoise berries framed by scarlet calyxes in late summer. The berries persist after the leaves drop.
• Breaks dormancy very late in spring.

Ecological Role

• Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Quirky Facts

• Some varieties of Clerodendrum, specifically C. trichotomum, are known as the "peanut butter tree" because the scent of the crushed foliage is reminiscent of unsweetened peanut butter.

Related Species

• Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Bleeding Heart Glorybower or Bleeding-heart vine)
• Clerodendrum chinense (Chinese Glorybower)
• Clerodendrum speciosissimum (Java Glorybower or Pagoda Flower)
• Clerodendrum fallax
• Clerodendrum japonicum

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) is referenced for information on Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii.
• Fact Sheet ST-171 from November 1993, authored by Edward F. Gilman, is mentioned.
• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community resource.
• Monrovia is mentioned in relation to plant details and best practices.