Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
Japanese aralia
Family Name:
Araliaceae
Botanical Name:
Fatsia japonica
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Fatsia japonica is a perennial accent shrub that grows large, palmately-lobed, dark green, leaves that can reach 8 inches in width (2). Its semi-woody branches form an upright growth habit, growing up to 8 feet in perfect conditions and 5 to 8 feet in normal conditions, before falling horizontally under their own weight. Umbels mature in autumn, blooming small white flowers that are followed by black, inedible fruit in the winter (1).
Compound:
Fat jap
Geographic Origin:
Japan
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Fatsia japonica has its origins in Southern Japan and was introduced to the western world in the early 1800s where its fleshy, tropical appearance made it a popular houseplant (3).
Cultivation Notes:
As a heat sensitive plant, it is best grown in low light or indoor conditions to avoid direct sunlight, although exceptions may be made in coastal and humid regions. It is most commonly grown by seed, which germinate 2 to 4 weeks after being planted. Although this plant tolerates being grown in sandy and heavy soils, it should ideally be grown in well-drained, acid soils. In order to reproduce variegated cultivars, F. japonica must be propagated from cuttings during mid to late summer (2, 4). Pruning is not required, unless it should be used to increase leaf production and growth. Appropriate placement is essential, considering that it is a large, fast growing plant with a substantial amount of foliage.
Ethnobotany:
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
