Native plants of Japan & its islands
These 16 plants belong to Japan & its islands. They were here before the gardens were: they know the weather, live on the rain that falls, and feed the insects and birds that grew up alongside them. Plant a few and your yard starts to fit its place.
Signature plant: Ashitaba, native here and in no other world region on this list.
Fruit trees (3)
- Kousa dogwood · zones 5–8
- Shikuwasa (Okinawan lime) · zones 9–11
- Yamamomo (red bayberry) · zones 8–10
Berries and small fruit (1)
- Haskap (honeyberry) · zones 2–7
Nut trees (3)
- Heartnut · zones 4–8
- Japanese chestnut · zones 5–9
- Korean pine (pine nut) · zones 3–7
Vines (2)
- Hardy kiwi · zones 4–8
- Schisandra · zones 4–7
Perennial vegetables, greens and herbs (6)
- Ashitaba · zones 8–10
- Japanese pepper (sansho) · zones 6–9
- Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) · zones 4–9
- Myoga ginger · zones 7–10
- Udo · zones 4–9
- Wasabi · zones 8–10
Native and wild plants (1)
- Camellia (tsubaki) · zones 7–9
Open the natives of Japan & its islands in the planner
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All regions · Plants by hardiness zone
General guidance, not professional advice. Conditions vary by yard and year; for local specifics ask your county extension office. Never eat a wild plant you cannot identify with certainty. Traditional uses are shared as history, not medical advice. © 2026 Sean Priest · Irie Orchard. Terms & credits · Privacy · Home