Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum
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Pl. 2239 — Farfugium japonicum
Farfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicumFarfugium japonicum
IOverview
Overview
Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) is a perennial with a native range spanning China South-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, the Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, and Taiwan. Known for its edible properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions, preferring light to partial sun exposure. It grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Its hardiness ranges from zone 6 to 10, making it suitable for gardens with similar climates. One distinctive feature of the Leopard Plant is its ornamental leaves, which often have a marbled or spotted appearance, giving rise to its common name.
Quick answers
What is Leopard Plant?
Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) is a perennial with a native range spanning China South-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, the Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, and Taiwan. Known for its edible properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions, preferring light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Leopard Plant thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 and reaches a height of about 0.8 meters. Propagate through division or from seed. Harvest the stems for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Leopard Plant for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Leopard Plant in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Leopard Plant seedlings or divisions, well-draining soil, a container if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Leopard Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy soil. Ensure good drainage for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant seedlings into the garden or pots, spacing them 30-60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a week.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The stem of the Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is commonly prepared by boiling to add to dishes or as a vegetable side.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 7 native· 5 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)ItalyPortugalSpain
Asia5 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
introduced (1)India
Broader regions
native:Ogasawara-shoto, Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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