Skimmia japonica (Japanese skimmia)

Skimmia japonica leaves

Leaf type: Oval, egg-shaped
Leaf margin: Smooth
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green, reddish, depending on cultivar
Life cycle: Evergreen shrub

Leaf (upper side)

Skimmia japonica leaves white berries
White berries of the cultivar Skimmia japonica “Alba”.
Japanese skimmia leaves and bee
A honeybee pollinates the flowers of the Japanese skimmia.

Habitus & biology

Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to two meters tall. There are many varieties available, which differ in the color of their flowers, leaves, and berries, as well as their height.

Skimmia japonica habitus evergreen shrub
Skimmia japonica with ivy (Hedera helix) and ground elder (Aegopodium podagaria).
Skimmia japonica red berries
The berries are not edible, and Skimmia japonica is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant.

Distribution & habitates

Skimmia japonica is native to Japan and Taiwan and is used as an ornamental plant in mild regions; its frost tolerance is around 14 °F/-10 °C.

Skimmia japonica ornamental shrub park
Skimmia japonica as an ornamental shrub in a park.

Botany

Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) belongs to the rue family (Rutaceae) and is distantly related to citrus fruits and Japanese pepper.

Japanese Skimmia japonica