Cast-iron plant (haran) Aspidistra elatior
Cast-iron plant (haran) (Aspidistra elatior) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to Southern Japan (Ōsumi Islands). It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Cast-iron plant (haran) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 0 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Japan (Ōsumi Islands) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Cast-iron plant (haran) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cast-iron plant (haran)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about Cast-iron plant (haran)
- How far apart should I plant Cast-iron plant (haran)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Cast-iron plant (haran) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 0 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cast-iron plant (haran) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cast-iron plant (haran)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Cast-iron plant (haran) flower?
- From about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cast-iron plant (haran) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Cast-iron plant (haran)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cast-iron plant (haran). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tough, paddle-shaped evergreen leaves for the deepest, driest shade; small purple flowers sit at soil level. Victorian parlour plant; its leaves are cut as baran dividers in sushi boxes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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