The difference between Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus sinensis

1. Differences between tree trunks

Osmanthus fragrans can reach a height of 12 meters and its trunk is dark brown.

The height of silver osmanthus can reach between 1.8 meters and 2 meters, with gray-brown bark and yellow-brown twigs.

2. Leaf Difference

The leaves of Osmanthus fragrans are opposite, oval in shape, 5.5 to 12 cm in length, 1.8 to 3.2 cm in width, with sharp or gradually sharp tips, wedge-shaped bases, wavy edges, leathery, dark green on top and slightly lighter underneath.

The leaves of silver osmanthus are opposite, herbaceous, oval, with the tip gradually becoming pointed and the base gradually narrowing to a wide wedge shape.

3. Flower Difference

The inflorescence of Osmanthus fragrans is axillary, and the flowers are very small, pale white or yellowish white.

Silver osmanthus flowers are small, with 4 petals, 3 to 4 mm long, and yellowish-white or light yellow.

4. Fruit Difference

The fruit of Osmanthus fragrans is oval in shape and dark purple.

The fruit of the silver osmanthus tree is crooked and oval, about 1 cm to 1.5 cm long, and purple-black.