Skimmia laureola

Physical Characteristics

Skimmia laureola is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas to N. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - cooked. Used as a condiment[272]. The strongly aromatic leaves are used in curries or as a flavouring for other foods[146, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are used in the treatment of smallpox[240]. The smoke produced by burning them is said to purify the air[240].

Known Hazards

A poisonous alkaloid called 'skimmianin' is found in all parts of the related S. japonica, it is probably also present in this species[211].