

How to identify Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
Japanese skimmia is an evergreen shrub with a dense, mounded habit, typically reaching 2 to 7 feet (60 cm to 2.1 m) in height and up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in width. It features leathery, dark green leaves that are elliptical with entire to slightly crenate margins, and a lighter, yellow-green underside. These leaves are notably fragrant and clustered at the tips of branches. In spring, it produces fragrant, creamy white flowers arranged in rounded panicles at the branch ends. Following flowering, female plants bear red drupes that persist into winter, offering visual interest.
Leaves: Elliptical, leathery, dark green with yellow-green underside, 2.5-5 inches (6.4-12.7 cm) long.
Flowers: Creamy-white to pink-tinged, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, fragrant, star-shaped blooms.
Fruits: Small red drupes, 3/8 inches (1 cm) in diameter, clustered, ornamental, persists into winter.
Stem: Woody, reddish-brown, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) diameter, multi-stemmed, mildly fragrant.
Bark: Green-tinged with reddish-purple undertones, smooth surface, modest girth, distinctive color fusion.
The leaves of japanese skimmia are alternate, simple, and leathery with an oval shape. The upper surface is medium green, while the underside is yellow-green. They cluster in a whorl-like arrangement at the stem tips and measure between 2.5 to 5 inches (6.4 to 12.7 cm) long. The leaf margins are mostly entire but can sometimes be crenate. When bruised, they emit a fragrant spicy scent, adding to their unique characteristics.
Japanese skimmia produces terminal panicles of creamy-white to pink-tinged blooms measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, appearing in spring. Each star-shaped flower is 1/4-1/3 inches (0.6-0.8 cm) across and emits a pleasant fragrance. Notably, male flowers may be larger and more fragrant compared to female ones, although only female plants bear the berries. These visually appealing and aromatic flowers are a distinctive characteristic of japanese skimmia.
The stem of japanese skimmia is sturdy and woody, typically measuring 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. It is characterized by a reddish-brown color with a slightly rough texture due to small lenticels. The branching pattern is dense and multi-stemmed, often forming a bushy structure. Young stems may display a green-tinged hue, particularly near the buds which are green-tinged and reddish-purple. The stem emits a mild fragrance when bruised.
The fruit of japanese skimmia are small drupes, each measuring about 3/8 inches (approximately 1 cm) in diameter. They develop in clusters, forming an eye-catching display. As the seasons progress, these spherical fruits transition from their initial green state to a vibrant red hue by fall, providing a striking contrast against the winter landscape. The skin of the drupes is smooth, and their persistence on the branches well into the winter months adds to the ornamental value of the plant. These fruits are a distinguishing feature, seen only on female specimens of japanese skimmia.
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Scientific Classification of Japanese skimmia