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1.Kerria — Overview
Kerria japonica, commonly known as Japanese Kerria or Japanese Rose, is the sole species within the genus Kerria, belonging to the Rosaceae family. This charming deciduous shrub is indigenous to the mountainous woodlands and thickets of China, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows as an upright, arching shrub, reaching heights and widths of 1 to 3 meters, characterized by slender, bright green stems that retain their color through winter.
Its ovate to lanceolate leaves are sharply serrated, bright green, and emerge after the initial burst of flowers. The most striking feature of Kerria japonica is its profusion of brilliant, golden-yellow flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring, often before the foliage fully develops. These flowers can be single, with five petals, or, in the popular cultivar 'Pleniflora', double, resembling small, pom-pom roses.
After flowering, inconspicuous drupes may form, though the plant is primarily cultivated for its floral display. Kerria japonica is highly adaptable, thriving in various soil conditions and light exposures, from partial shade to full sun, making it a resilient and widely appreciated ornamental plant globally. Its distinctive green stems provide winter interest, and its arching habit makes it suitable for informal hedges or mass plantings.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Kerria japonica
1.1 Wikipedia — Kerria japonica
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Kerria should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Kerria — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Common Name</strong> — Japanese Kerria, Japanese Rose
- ✓ <strong>Scientific Name</strong> — Kerria japonica
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Rosaceae
- ✓ <strong>Native Range</strong> — China, Korea, Japan
- ✓ <strong>Flower Color</strong> — Golden-yellow
- ✓ <strong>Bloom Time</strong> — Early to mid-spring
- ✓ <strong>Stem Color</strong> — Bright green, persistent in winter
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — Arching, deciduous shrub
- ✓ <strong>Height/Width</strong> — 1-3 meters
- ✓ <strong>Cultivar Highlight</strong> — 'Pleniflora' with double flowers
1.2.Kerria — Quick Summary
- ✓ Ornamental shrub with bright yellow spring flowers.
- ✓ Traditional use in TCM for fever and detoxification.
- ✓ Contains flavonoids and phenolic acids for potential antioxidant effects.
- ✓ Easy to grow, prefers partial shade and moist soil.
- ✓ Limited modern scientific validation for medicinal efficacy.
- ✓ Consult professionals before medicinal use.
2.Kerria — Scientific Identity
3.Kerria — Quick Facts
4.Kerria — Appearance & Identification
5.Kerria — Native Habitat
6.Kerria — Water Requirements
- ✓ Site Selection — Prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but tolerates full sun if soil moisture is consistent.
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil; avoid overly rich soil to prevent excessive vegetative growth over flowering.
- ✓ Watering — Maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during dry spells; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant.
- ✓ Fertilization — Apply a light, balanced organic fertilizer in early spring, such as compost or a slow-release granular product.
- ✓ Pruning — Prune after the main spring bloom; remove dead or damaged stems, and thin out older canes to encourage new growth and flowering.
- ✓ Propagation — Easily propagated by softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter, or by dividing suckers.
- ✓ Pest and Disease — Generally resistant to major pests and diseases; occasional issues include spider mites or powdery mildew in dry conditions.
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.
Our 4-step verification process
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.
Last reviewed:
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 15, 2026
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