Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Japanese Rose is a shrub grown in shady U.S. gardens, with yellow spring flowers on arching green stems. Single-flowered forms have five petals, while the garden form 'Pleniflora' has rounded flowers with layers of petals. Japanese Rose is also commonly called Japanese kerria.

Appearance

Appearance: Thin, glossy green stems that zigzag a little; some forms keep their green color through winter, adding color to bare gardens
Growth form: shrub about 3–7 ft (1–2 m) tall and often wider, up to 9 ft (3 m), with slender, arching stems that from the base
Flowers: Bright yellow, about 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) across; single forms have five petals, double forms are nearly round balls of petals
Flowering time: In North Carolina, flowers appear in April and May on short shoots of the previous year’s growth.
Fruit: Single-flowered plants set small, dry, one-seeded fruits ()

Look-alikes

Winter JasmineJasminum nudiflorum

Winter Jasmine has tubular yellow flowers with six spreading lobes before its leaves appear. Single Japanese Rose flowers have five rounded petals and appear with leaves.

Why they get mixed upBoth are arching shrubs with yellow flowers and green stems.

JetbeadRhodotypos scandens

Jetbead has four white petals, opposite leaves, and four shiny black fruits. Japanese Rose has yellow flowers and alternate leaves.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Shady gardens and yards
Forest edges (as an escape)
Range: Native from China to southern Korea and Japan. In the U.S. it is grown in gardens and has also escaped around old homesites in Virginia and into parts of New England
Preferred conditions: Grows best in partial to fairly deep shade; in full sun the flowers fade. Likes loamy, well-drained soil and is deer resistant. Hardy in 4–9
Flowering: Flowers Apr–May
Flowers Apr–May

Life cycle

Reproduction: Double-flowered plants have lost their pistils and set no fruit

Name and classification

About the name: It is also called Easter Rose and Bachelor's Button in U.S. gardens.
Varieties and forms: U.S. gardens grow the double-flowered 'Pleniflora' as well as single-flowered selections such as 'Golden Guinea'.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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