Spotted-laurel (Aucuba japonica, Nov. Gen. Pl. 3: 61 (1783))

Family: Garryaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: Nov. Gen. Pl. 3: 61 (1783)

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aucuba

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. China to Temp. E. Asia

Description

The Spotted-laurel, scientifically known as Aucuba japonica, is a distinctive evergreen shrub esteemed for its decorative foliage and resilience. First detailed by the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg in 1783, this plant is a notable member of the Garryaceae family.

Originating from Southeastern China and temperate regions of Eastern Asia, Aucuba japonica exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in a range of climates and conditions. Its glossy, broad leaves, often speckled with yellow or white spots, make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects.

Characterized by dense foliage, Aucuba japonica can grow up to 10 feet in height, making it an excellent natural screen or hedge. The glossy leaves arranged in opposite pairs convey a striking visual appeal, particularly during the colder months when other plants may not be as lush. Spotted-laurel’s flowers are small and purplish, usually appearing in the spring, followed by bright red berries that attract birds and add to the shrub’s ornamental value.

One of the plant’s notable features is its tolerance of shade, which makes it a versatile addition to areas with limited sunlight. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but is quite forgiving of less-than-ideal conditions, including urban environments with pollution exposure. Despite its hardy nature, providing regular watering and occasional pruning will help maintain its shape and health.

In addition to its aesthetic and environmental contributions, Spotted-laurel serves as an excellent example of plant resilience and adaptability, making it a favored choice among both novice and experienced gardeners. Its ability to brighten shaded garden areas with its vibrant foliage and maintain visual interest throughout the year underscores its enduring popularity.

Common Names

Fra: aucuba, aucuba du japon
Deu: aukube
Eng: japanese aucuba, japanese laurel, japanese-laurel, spotted-laurel, spotted laurel
Swe: aukuba
Lav: baltais grimonis, baltais grimonis cv.
Hun: japán babérsom
Ces: svíb biely
Nld: broodboom
Cym: coeden frech felen
En: Spotted-laurel, Japanese aucuba, Japanese-laurel, Japanese laurel, Spotted Laurel
Ar: أوكوبة يابانية
Hy: Աուկուբա ճապոնական
Eu: Ereinotz nabar
Zh: 東瀛珊瑚, 青木
Cs: Aukuba japonská, Svíb biely
Nl: Broodboom, Aucuba
Fi: Kiiltopensas
Fr: Aucuba, Aucuba du Japon
Gl: Loureiro xaponés
De: Aukube, Japanische Aukube
Hu: Japán babérsom
It: Aucuba
Ja: Aoki
Ko: 식나무
Lv: Baltais grimonis, Baltais grimonis cv.
Fa: شمشاد ژاپنی
Pl: Aukuba japońska
Sk: Aukuba japonská
Es: Aucuba
Sv: Aukuba
Zh-tw: 東瀛珊瑚
Cy: Coeden frech felen

Synonyms

Distribution

• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 31, 2022 by divisionkent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by sylvie tanneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Sánchez García Juan P. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Gergo Saary (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2016 by Marlu (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Daniel Da Parigi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Sébastien Duffau (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Orlhac Laurent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2019 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2020 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 5, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by mreggiardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2019 by Jean Louis Thomasson (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Tarik Menlioglu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by leflexiterrien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Davila Joana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by M G (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033077)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271451-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aucuba japonica Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth