Japanese aucuba

Aucuba japonica

The Japanese aucuba is a lovely shrub with shiny green leaves and bright red berries. It grows well in shady places and adds color to gardens all year round.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Japanese aucuba has glossy, leathery evergreen leaves, often brightly speckled with yellow or white. Its small, dark reddish-purple flowers are followed by brilliant red, round berries that ripen in autumn and persist through winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGarryalesFamilyGarryaceaeGenusAucuba

Japanese aucuba

Interesting facts

Even in deep shade, this plant keeps its vibrant green, brightening dark garden spots.

Its stunning glossy leaves are so tough, they almost feel like plastic!

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, so you need both if you want to see berries!

The bright red berries can last all winter long, like tiny festive ornaments!

Special abilities

Japanese aucuba can thrive in deep shade where most plants struggle, using its dark leaves to capture dim light efficiently.

This plant has bright red berries that often remain on the branches all winter, providing pops of color.

Its leathery leaves and waxy coating help Japanese aucuba resist drought and pollution, keeping it healthy.

Measurements & details

Height: 100-300 cm
Spread: 100-200 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Early spring
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eats

Eyebrowed Thrush

Turdus obscurus

Consumes berries for winter food

pollinates

Asian Honey Bee

Apis cerana

Visits small flowers for nectar

eats

Garden Slug

Arion hortensis

Feeds on tender leaves at night

Traits

Spotted

Marked with spots or patches of a different color.

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.