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Overview
Aucuba japonica is the Japanese aucuba (Japanese laurel), an evergreen shrub growing 72–120 inches (180–300 cm) tall and 48–96 inches (120–240 cm) wide. Dark green glossy leathery oval leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm). The cultivar 'Variegata' (gold dust aucuba) has gold-speckled leaves — the gold dust pattern is the most widely grown form. 'Crotonifolia' has larger bold gold blotches. Dioecious: separate male and female plants. Female plants produce bright red oval berries 0.5 inch (12 mm) in fall, persisting through winter — a male pollinator within insect-flight distance is required for berry production. Inconspicuous dark purple 4-petaled flowers in erect panicles in early spring. In the silk tassel family (Garryaceae). Tolerates deep shade — one of the few broadleaf evergreen shrubs that maintains glossy foliage in full shade. Full sun causes leaf scorch: black blotching and bleaching on the leaves, especially in hot climates. Also tolerates dry shade, urban pollution, and salt spray. All parts contain aucubin (an iridoid glycoside) — mildly toxic to humans and animals (gastrointestinal irritation). Native to Japan, Korea, and China. Deer-resistant. Zones 7–10. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, growing in moist forest understory.Suggested Uses
Grown in deep shade and dry shade positions in zones 7–10. The glossy evergreen foliage persists year-round. 'Variegata' for gold-speckled leaves. Plant male + female for red winter berries. Tolerates pollution and salt spray. All parts mildly toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March–April) — inconspicuous dark purple flowers. Bright red berries on female plants ripen in fall and persist through winter. The evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dark purple, tiny, 4-petaled, in erect panicles (inconspicuous)Foliage Description
Dark green, glossy, leathery, oval, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm); gold-speckled in 'Variegata' (gold dust aucuba)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade — full sun causes leaf scorch (black blotching). Tolerates deep shade, dry shade, pollution, and salt spray. Dioecious — plant both male and female for berry production. All parts mildly toxic (aucubin). Deer-resistant. Zones 7–10.Pruning
Prune for shape in spring. Tolerates hard renovation pruning. The upright form develops naturally. Remove any all-green reverted shoots on variegated cultivars.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons