Glossy-Leaf Paper Plant
(Fatsia japonica)
Glossy-Leaf Paper Plant (Fatsia japonica)
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Orengi Harvey
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Orengi Harvey
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: Orengi Harvey | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Waldhorn | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Old_Fatsia_japonica_with_blosems.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Fatsia japonica, commonly known as Glossy-Leaf Paper Plant, is an evergreen shrub native to shaded forest understories and woodland margins in Japan and South Korea. It typically grows to 1–5 m (3 ft 3 in – 16 ft 5 in) tall, with stout, sparsely branched stems. The leaves are large, glossy, and deeply lobed, contributing to its ornamental value. Small, white flowers appear in dense terminal compound umbels in late autumn or early winter, followed by small black fruit in spring. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators. Fatsia japonica is valued for its bold foliage and architectural form, making it a popular choice for urban planting, border planting, and as a specimen in shade gardens.
The plant prefers semi-shade to full shade and is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. It requires medium amounts of water and thrives in well-drained, fertile soils. Fatsia japonica is relatively low maintenance and can be grown as an indoor plant, where it contributes to air purification by removing gaseous formaldehyde. It is not typically prone to serious pest or disease problems, but can occasionally suffer from leaf spot or scale insects. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not generally invasive, it can spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant prefers semi-shade to full shade and is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. It requires medium amounts of water and thrives in well-drained, fertile soils. Fatsia japonica is relatively low maintenance and can be grown as an indoor plant, where it contributes to air purification by removing gaseous formaldehyde. It is not typically prone to serious pest or disease problems, but can occasionally suffer from leaf spot or scale insects. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not generally invasive, it can spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-16 feet
- Width: 6-16 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Shaded forest understories and woodland margins in Japan and South Korea
Other Names
Common Names: Paperplant, False Castor Oil Plant, Japanese Aralia, 팔손이, 팔손이나무
Scientific Names: , Fatsia japonica, Aralia sieboldii, Aralia japonica, Fatsia japonica var. liukiuensis, Fatsia japonica var. lobulata, Aralia brownii, Dimorphanthus japonicus, Echinopanax japonicus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Fatsia japonica (Thunb.) Decne. & Planch.