Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2882631

Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica

Also known as Japanese Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Bush

Japanese andromeda produces dense cascades of urn-shaped blossoms in late winter and early spring, echoing the delicate look of lily-of-the-valley. New spring foliage emerges in striking shades of bronze, red, or copper before maturing into deep glossy green leaves that persist year-round. While widely planted as an ornamental shrub, all parts of the plant harbor potent toxins that protect it from most mammalian herbivores.

EvergreenFloweringPoisonous
Japanese Andromeda reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Mussita · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil nutrients
Predators
  • Andromeda lace bug
  • Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat loss in native wild range, lace bug infestations in cultivation
HabitatsMountain thickets, temperate forests, cultivated gardens
Life span30–50+ years
Classification
  1. OrderEricales
  2. FamilyEricaceae
  3. GenusPieris
  4. SpeciesPieris japonica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
All parts contain cardiac grayanotoxins; do not ingest and keep away from pets and livestock.
Why it is dangerous
Contains grayanotoxins across all plant parts, which cause severe gastrointestinal distress, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by glossy lance-shaped evergreen leaves and cascading, bell-shaped white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring.
What to do
Never consume any part of the plant, and keep pruned branches away from curious pets or livestock.
Responsible observation
  • Spring Identification: Look for drooping terminal panicles of urn-shaped white flowers blooming in early spring.
  • Garden Care: Plant in acidic, organic-rich soil in locations sheltered from harsh winter winds.
  • Pet Safety: Keep foliage out of reach of livestock, dogs, and cats that tend to chew on leaves.
Related species
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