Birth flower for February 11
Oriental paperbush
Meaning: family bonds
Every branch of the paperbush forks neatly into three, which gives it its Japanese name mitsumata, 'three forks'. Its long, tough bark fibers are a classic material for washi paper, and they go into the paper of Japanese banknotes. In early spring, before the leaves, it hangs out round, silky white balls that open into sweet-scented yellow flowers.