SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike'

COMMON NAME: Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba

GARDEN SIZE: 6-8 feet tall x 5-7 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 6 to 10

EXPOSURE: Full Shade to Part Shade

WATER & SOIL: Average to moist, well-drained and organically rich soil

HABIT (FORM): Rounded, Multi-stemmed Shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy, Bright green leaves heavily spotted with yellow

FLOWERS: Purple, inconspicuous flowers bloom from March to April. This is a male variety that does not produce any berries, but makes an excellent pollinator for female varieties.

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan and China

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) in spring and fall

PRUNING: Pruning is rarely needed but if desired it can be done in the late spring.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Foundation plantings, Accents, Borders, Corner Piece