Japanese Fatsia       FAT-see-a ja-PON-i-ka

• Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 6-8(10) ft, [1.8-2.4(3) m] generally rounded.  Leaves alternate, large, usually 15-35 cm across, simple, with palmate shape, 7-9 serrate lobes, leathery, lustrous dark green.   Flowers white, in large terminal clusters (umbels), 4 cm diam., flower stalk white; blooms in late fall.  Fruit fleshy, black, 8 mm diam. (drupe).
• Full shade preferable.  Best in moist, acid, high in organic matter soils, but tolerates light-sandy and heavy-clay soils.
• Hardy to USDA Zone (7)8     Native to Japan
• Oregon State Univ. campus: north side Milam Hall.