Ixeris japonica, commonly known as Japanese Lettuce, Shirozaki, or Japanese Dandelion, is a perennial herb that is deciduous in nature. It is native to open grasslands, forest edges, and along streams in Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. This plant typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters). Its appearance is characterized by rosettes of green leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, adding a splash of color to the garden. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Ixeris japonica is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to adapt to a variety of garden settings. It is often used in wildflower gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas. Gardeners appreciate its ease of maintenance and its tolerance of different soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. It requires medium amounts of water and thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from common herbaceous plant problems such as leaf spot or snail and slug damage. It is not known for being invasive or having aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0