Camellia sasanqua is native to Japan and parts of China, where it grows naturally in forested slopes and along sunny edges at elevations up to about 3,300 ft. It is a fall and early winter flowering evergreen shrub, typically 6–15 ft tall. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in acidic, well-drained soils, tolerates partial shade to full sun, and is cultivated extensively in warm temperate regions worldwide for its ornamental value. The flowers are typically 2–3 in across, with five to several overlapping petals that may be single, semi-double, or double, depending on the cultivar. The blossoms are lightly fragrant. Numerous cultivars have been developed, offering a range of colors from pure white to deep pink and red, as well as variations in petal form. In addition to ornamental use, the seeds yield camellia oil, traditionally used in Japan for hair care, cooking, and as a wood finish. Photographed in Virigina.