Eurya japonica (01/04/2015, Tokyo, Japan)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3.5m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Pentaphylacaceae
Eurya japonica is an evergreen shrub with an open habit. Its mid green leathery leaves are elliptic with serrulate margins, up to 7cm long and 3cm broad. This shrub is dioecious, its white/ green fragrant male flowers appear solitary and are up to 8mm across. Its black fruit are spherical and up to 5mm.
Eurya japonica, commonly known as Japanese Eurya, is native to Japan, Korea and east China. In its native habitat it grows in thickets. The branches of this shrub are used in Shinto ceremonies in Japan.
The etymological root of the binomial name Eurya is possibly from the Greek eurus meaning ‘wide’, reader feedback would be welcome. Japonica is derived form the Latin meaning ‘from Japan’.
Eurya japonica Leaf (01/04/2015, Tokyo, Japan)
The landscape architect may find Eurya japonica useful as an evergreen shrub which can be planted in lightly shaded locations and has fragrant flowers. It is tolerant of maritime climates.
Ecologically, Eurya japonica flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its berries are eaten by some bird species.
Eurya japonica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Eurya japonica requires little maintenance.
