Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as wintersweet, originates from China, where it has been cultivated for centuries and often grown in temple gardens. It is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant blossoms in the coldest months of the year, typically from late December through February, when most other plants are dormant. The flowers are notable for their translucent yellow petals, often marked with reddish-brown at the base, which release a strong sweet scent that can perfume entire gardens. This species can grow up to thirteen feet tall, with flowers appearing on bare wood before the leaves emerge. The plant has cultural importance in East Asia, frequently featured in classical poetry and paintings as a symbol of resilience and hope due to its ability to bloom in winter. The essential oil extracted from the flowers has been valued in perfumery, and the dried blossoms have been used in traditional practices for their pleasant aroma. Photographed in Bogota, Colombia.