Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) Farfugium japonicum
Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) (Farfugium japonicum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Coasts of Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coasts of Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, leaf stalks
Contains liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids; in Japan the stalks are eaten only after boiling and long soaking. Do not eat raw.
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 Leopard plant (tsuwabuki)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Leopard plant (tsuwabuki)
- How far apart should I plant Leopard plant (tsuwabuki)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Leopard plant (tsuwabuki)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Leopard plant (tsuwabuki) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Contains liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids; in Japan the stalks are eaten only after boiling and long soaking. Do not eat raw.
- What grows well with Leopard plant (tsuwabuki)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Leopard plant (tsuwabuki). 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).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy, kidney-shaped leaves (gold-spotted in ‘Aureomaculatum’) and yellow daisies in late autumn; a staple at the foot of stones and water basins in Japanese gardens.
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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