Common Name: Spotted Laurel

General Information

Aucuba japonica is an evergreen shrub of rounded, bushy form; lit can grow 1.8 - 3 metres tall[].
The plant is used locally in traditional medicine and as a source of wood for small items. A commonly grown ornamental, it is valued especially for its (often) variegated foliate and bright red fruits. Different cultivars can be used to make hedges or for ground cover.

Known Hazards

The fruit and leaves contain the toxic glycoside 'aucubin'. This can cause nausea, vomiting and possible fever, though it only causes low toxicity[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Woods in lowland and mountains all over Japan[]. In rich forest soils of moist valleys, dense forests, thickets, by streams and near shaded moist rocks in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[, ].
A very tolerant and easily grown plant[], it thrives in most soils and even in the total shade of trees[, , ] though for good fruit production a position with at least moderate sun should be chosen[]. Tolerates dry soils and drought[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates salt winds[]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[].
Often grown in the ornamental garden, there are many named varieties[].
The foliage can be scorched in very long hot summers if the plant is in an open position[].
Very tolerant of pruning, plants can be cut right back into the old wood if required[, ].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. An emergency food[]. It would have to be quite an emergency to convince me to eat them[]. The leaves are slightly toxic - see notes above[].

Medicinal

The leaves are pounded and applied to burns, swellings, chilblains etc[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Makes a good hedge but its large leaves mean that it is quite labour intensive to maintain if a neatly clipped appearance is desired[]. Unless you are happy with the large leaves being cut in half, it means that you have to trim the hedge with secateurs[].
The plant can eventually grow into an effective weed-excluder and is suitable for covering large areas of ground - there are some dwarf forms that can be grown for ground cover[]. 'Nana Rotundifolia' has been mentioned and will form a hummock of growth about 1 metre across[].

Other Uses

The wood is used for making walking sticks and pipes for smoking[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Wash off the pulpy coating since this can inhibit germination. Stored seed should be soaked overnight and then stratified for 1 - 2 weeks at 3°c[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months or more at 20°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once they are 20cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long outdoors at any time between September to late winter though early autumn and late autumn are best[]. Very easy, even small branches will root[].
Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months[].