Japanese pieris

Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D.Don ex G.Don

Family: EricaceaeZones: 4b-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

flowers, leaves, sap/juice

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

andromedotoxin, grayanotoxins

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists Pieris japonica as toxic to dogs and cats (grayanotoxins) on its Pieris page; the Andromeda Japonica and Lily-of-the-Valley Bush pages also list horses. NC State rates it high severity poison for people and also flags it as a problem for cats, dogs and horses.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Pieris japonica, not on the common name.. Check the botanical name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4b-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade; some shade preferred in the South (NC State).
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of NC State: needs moist, well-drained soil. Root rot (Phytophthora) can occur, so wet feet hurt it. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 8-10 ft tall and 6-8 ft wide at maturity; slow growth; dwarf cultivars exist

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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