A deciduous shrub 3 to 6 ft high, of neat habit. Leaves of three leaflets which are 11⁄2 to 3 in. long, ovate-lanceolate, sharply toothed, downy on the midrib and veins. Flowers greenish white, 1⁄3 in. long, borne in a terminal cymose cluster 11⁄2 to 3 in. long. Fruit a membranous inflated capsule about 1 in. long and wide, in two flattened obovate parts, each terminated by the bristle-like, persistent style; seeds yellowish.
Native of Japan, where it inhabits mountainous regions; also of Central and W. China. The Japanese form has not proved of much value in gardens, being rather tender and having few attractions. It flowers in May and June.