Fatsia

Fatsia japonica Decne. & Planch.

FAT-see-ah  jah-PON-ah-cah

Araliaceae

Explanation of name: Fatsia comes from a Japanese name for the plant (DEH). Japonica is self-explanatory.

Natural range: Japan

Recognition: Coarse-textured shrub branching from the ground level, with large (8-16”), alternate, palmately lobed, cordate-based leaves having numerous (7-11 DEH), elliptic, serrate-to-entire-margined lobes. Stems become leggy and can fall over. These should be removed, as new growth arises readily from the base of the plant.

Landscape uses: Containers, interiorscaping, small outdoor spaces.