Styrax japonicus (野茉莉, also エゴノキ, egonoki),[2] also known as the Japanese snowbell, is a species of flowering plant in the family Styracaceae, native to Korea, Japan, and Southern China.

Masses of slightly fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers hang from the branches in summer, followed by fruits (drupes) which resemble olives in both shape and colour.

[3][4] It is hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F), but prefers a sheltered position in full sun or dappled shade, with acidic or neutral soil.

[5] Properties such as analgesic,[6] hypoglycaemic,[7] and antibacterial[8][9] effects have been observed in extracts and isolates from the flowers, stem-bark, and leaves, respectively.

[5] The Japanese common name, egonoki (野茉莉, エゴノキ), originates from how the fruit annoys the throat and tongue when put in the mouth — egui (えぐい) or egoi (えごい) describes something that evokes a repulsive, bitter flavor.

[3] They should be planted with full sun or part sun/part shade exposure,[12] protection from cold and dry wind, and provided consistently moist soil.

[19] The cultivar 'Fargesii', with larger flowers and leaves than the typical species, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Water extract of S. japonicus leaves inhibited growth against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (except Candida albicans).

[9] The masses of flowers present on a blooming tree lead to the pronounced prevalence and popularity of S. japonicus cultivars.

It is thought that the tree's abundant flowers, along with its lavish foliage and striated bark, contributed to its successful introduction from Eastern Asia to Western gardens.