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1.Eurya Japonica — Overview
Eurya japonica, also known as Japanese Eurya or Sakaki, is an elegant evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Pentaphylacaceae. Native to the hillsides and forests of East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and the Eastern Himalayas, this resilient species typically grows 1 to 2 meters tall in cultivation, though it can reach up to 10 meters in its native forest habitats.
It often forms dense, multi-stemmed clumps with an upright, somewhat spreading habit and distinctive horizontal to slightly upright branching.
Its leaves are alternate, simple, and obovate to elliptic or lance-shaped, measuring 3 to 7 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm wide. They are lustrous dark green, thick, and leathery on the upper surface, with a paler underside and finely serrated margins. Pinnate venation is subtly impressed on the upper surface.
The bark on older stems is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming somewhat furrowed with age. The plant has a fibrous, moderately spreading root system, contributing to soil stabilization.
Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer (typically April to June), with some regional variations in early to mid-spring. Eurya japonica produces small, inconspicuous but charming white to pale yellow flowers, often tinged with green. These dioecious flowers (male and female on separate plants) are solitary or in small axillary clusters, emerging from leaf axils and often hanging downward on short stems.
Individual flowers are campanulate, with five petals; male flowers have numerous stamens, while female flowers have a superior ovary with a short style. After pollination, the plant develops small, spherical to ovoid fruits, typically 5-8 mm in diameter. These fruits mature from late summer to fall, changing from green to purplish-black and containing several small, dark seeds.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Eurya Japonica:
1.1.Eurya Japonica — Key Features
- Botanical Name — Eurya japonica.
- Common Names — Japanese Eurya, Sakaki, East Asian Eurya.
- Family — Pentaphylacaceae.
- Growth Habit — Evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 1-10 meters in height.
- Foliage — Lustrous dark green, leathery, serrated, obovate to elliptic leaves.
- Flowers — Small, white to pale yellow, inconspicuous, dioecious, bell-shaped.
- Fruits — Small, spherical to ovoid capsules, maturing to purplish-black berries.
- Native Range — Indigenous to China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Eastern Himalayas.
- Traditional Use — Employed as a tea substitute and in sacred Shinto offerings.
- Cultivation — Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and is frost-tender.
1.2.Eurya Japonica — Quick Summary
- Evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia.
- Valued ornamentally for its glossy, leathery foliage and winter interest.
- Leaves traditionally used as a mild tea substitute and in Shinto sacred rituals.
- Flowers are small, white to pale yellow, dioecious, and can be malodorous.
- Contains potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals like polyphenols and flavonoids.
- Requires protection from frost and cold, drying winds for optimal growth.
2.Eurya Japonica — Scientific Identity
3.Eurya Japonica — Categories & Tags
4.Eurya Japonica — Appearance & Identification
5.Eurya Japonica — Water Requirements
- Soil Requirements — Thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil, preferring neutral to slightly acidic pH; an ideal blend includes loam and peat compost.
- Light Exposure — For optimal flowering and dense growth, full sun (at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily) is recommended, though it tolerates partial shade.
- Water Needs — Requires consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells; however, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging and subsequent root issues.
- Temperature & Protection — This plant is frost-tender and necessitates protection from cold, drying winter winds and temperatures below freezing, thriving in USDA Zones 8a-11b.
- Propagation — Best propagated by semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in late summer or early fall, rooted in a sandy, well-draining medium under controlled conditions.
- Pruning — Can be pruned to maintain desired shape and size, often used as a hedge or screen; best performed after the main flowering period to avoid sacrificing blooms.
- Fertilization — Benefits from a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied in early spring to support vigorous growth, especially in nutrient-deficient soils.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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