Bachelor's button
Kerria japonicafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 3B34 — Kerria japonica
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IOverview
Overview
Bachelor's button (Kerria japonica) is a perennial shrub native to China and Japan, with some range extending into Korea. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 2 meters tall. This hardy shrub is adaptable to a pH range of 5 to 6.8 and can be found in gardens for its ornamental value as well as its culinary uses. Its light green leaves and clusters of golden yellow flowers make it a distinctive addition to any landscape.
Quick answers
What is Bachelor's button?
Bachelor's button (Kerria japonica) is a perennial shrub native to China and Japan, with some range extending into Korea. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bachelor's button is a perennial shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist conditions. It prefers light to medium soils, including sandy, medium, and clay types, with a slightly acidic pH of 5-6.8. This plant can tolerate a range of soil moisture levels but does not specify ideal water requirements. Hardiness ranges from 4 to 9, indicating it is hardy in temperate regions. The shrub grows up to 2 meters tall and produces edible parts including fruit and leaves. It can be propagated through division or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2 m tall
Soil pH
5–6.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Bachelor's button for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that will thrive in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Bachelor's button plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining and slightly acidic (pH 5-6.8).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots directly into the garden. For seeds, sow in early spring after last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, especially during hot weather. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The fruit and leaves of the Bachelor's button plant are edible. The fruit is typically eaten raw or dried, while the leaves can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. No specific preparation methods are noted.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 21 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 21 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 5 native· 21 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)AlbaniaBulgaria
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
introduced:Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Rhode I., Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3b3482dd-41f8-4566-ac4e-4ed678fd31d2
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