Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Japanese Aucuba

Aucuba Japonica

Design with this plant

Overview

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), also known as Gold Dust Plant, is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant, glossy green leaves speckled with golden yellow dots. This hardy plant typically reaches 6 to 10 feet in height and spreads 5 to 9 feet. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Aucubas are excellent for adding a splash of color to shaded areas and are resistant to most pests and diseases.

Sun Deep Shade, Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 7–10Type ShrubClimate Temperate
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Its dramatic foliage provides stunning contrast against lighter; followed by bright red berries in the fall if, image 73

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Mature height
6–8 Ft.
Mature width
4–6 Ft.

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Cornaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (104)

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — consider its preference for shelter from harsh winds and its moderate growth rate
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — followed by bright red berries in the fall if both male and female plants are present
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica)
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — consider its preference for shelter from harsh winds and its moderate growth rate; commonly known as the 'Gold Dust Plant'
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — is a striking evergreen shrub that adds a touch of exotic elegance to any landscape; inconspicuous purplish, image 84
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — often speckled with eye-catching yellow spots; glossy green leaves speckled with golden yellow dots
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — also known as Gold Dust Plant
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — offering both visual appeal and practicality to their garden oasis
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — also known as Gold Dust Plant; leathery leaves can reach up to 8 inches long and are a deep green
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — shrub for deep shade or half or shade; offering both visual appeal and practicality to their garden oasis, image 78
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and can handle urban pollution
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — With a mature height and spread of about 6 to 10 feet
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Aucuba Japonica
Photographs by 9 contributors

Related plants

American Yellowtwig Dogwood (Cornus Sericea 'Flaviramea') — notable for its vibrant yellow-green stems that add winter interest

Tree

American Yellowtwig Dogwood

Cornus Sericea 'Flaviramea'

FullUSDA 10–10
Arctic Fire® Red Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) — Proven Winners - Arctic Fire® Red - Red-Osier Dogwood - Cornus stolonifera white plant details

Arctic Fire® Red Red-Osier Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

Full
Arctic Fire® Yellow Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) — The Cornus stolonifera Arctic Fire® Yellow is a deciduous dogwood with dark green foliage

Arctic Fire® Yellow Red-Osier Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

Full
Arctic Sun® Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) — The Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun® is a compact deciduous dogwood with green foliage

Shrub

Arctic Sun® Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea

FullUSDA 3–8
Aurora White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus X Aurora) — This hybrid typically reaches 20 to 25 feet in height and spreads 15 to 20 feet wide, offering a rounded form

Shrub

Aurora White Flowering Dogwood

Cornus X Aurora

FullUSDA 5–9
Bailey's Twisted Dogwood (Cornus Sericea 'Baileyi') — spiral branches that add winter interest

Shrub

Bailey's Twisted Dogwood

Cornus Sericea 'Baileyi'

FullUSDA 3–6