The study looked at how different shrub species in northern China use water throughout the day. They measured leaf water content, transpiration rate, and leaf water potential of four shrubs: Forsythia suspensa, Lonicera japonica, Rubus crataegifolius, and Swida alba. They found that Rubus crataegifolius had the highest leaf water content, while Forsythia suspensa had the lowest. Rubus crataegifolius also had the highest transpiration rate, while Forsythia suspensa had the lowest. The researchers discovered that leaf water potential and transpiration rate were related, with different shrub species being influenced by different factors. This information can help with choosing the right shrubs for planting in areas with limited water.