Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel, Gold Dust Plant)
Botanical Information
| Family | Garryacaea |
| Genus | Aucuba |
| Species | japonica |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
| Origin | China, Taiwan, South Japan. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Ingestion may cause mild upset stomach. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6b - 7a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 - H5 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -18 - (-12) |
| Temperature (°F) | 0 - 10 |
| Height | 1 - 5 m |
| Spread | 3 m |
| Flowering Period | April |
Description and Growing Information
| Propagation | Propagate by seed or suckers in spring, or by basal cuttings in autumn. |
| Cultivation | Grows well in any soil that is not waterlogged, in full or partial shade. |
| Pests | Susceptible to oleander scale insect (Aspidiotus nerii). |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are opposite, broad lanceolate, 5-8 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. |
| Flower Description | The flowers are small, 4-8 mm diameter, with four purplish-brown petals; they are produced in clusters of 10-30 in a loose cyme. |
| Fruit Description | The fruit is a red berry approximately 1 cm diameter. |
Photographs
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'.
Aucuba japonica 'Golden King'.