Euscaphis japonica

Family: Staphyleaceae

What it is like

Euscaphis japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Common in thickets and in thin secondary forests in lowlands and low mountains of central and southern Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young budlings. No further details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The fruit is used as a drug. No further details.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary soil. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species. We obtained stored seed in the spring and sowed it immediately. It took 12 months to germinate (only 1 seed germinating) and so possibly requires some cold stratification. Pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some winter protection for their first year or two outdoors. Cuttings.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. staphyleoides. Sambucus japonica. Thunb.