Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) Fatsia japonica
Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) (Fatsia japonica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Araliaceae family, native to Southern Japan, southern Korea and Taiwan. It grows 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) tall and 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Japan, southern Korea and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, berries, sap
Saponins can cause stomach upset if chewed; sap can irritate skin.
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 Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude)
- How far apart should I plant Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–4 m (4.9–13 ft).
- Does Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) flower?
- From about October for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Saponins can cause stomach upset if chewed; sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Huge, glossy, fingered leaves; balls of creamy flowers in late autumn feed late bees and flies. A bold, jungle-like plant for deep shade.
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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