History & Introduction

Originally from eastern Asia, Sapphire berry (Symplocos paniculata) was introduced to the United States in 1875 as an ornamental shrub. Avid plant collector Thomas Hogg sent numerous Japanese plants to North America during his time as a U.S. Marshall in Japan, including sapphire berry, invasive knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis), vine honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), kudzu (Pueraria montana), and many other species in the horticulture trade. Samuel Browne Parsons, owner of “S. B. Parsons & Sons, Kissena Nurseries” in Flushing, Queens, planted and propagated many of these plants for sale (1). The nursery closed in 1906 after Parsons’ death, and NYC Parks acquired the property. Today, Kissena Park hosts historic tree groves with many original specimens from Japan. Sapphire berry is still present in Kissena Park, and other areas within LIISMA.

In China, sapphire berry is used for cooking oil, and research has examined its use as a biofuel (2). The plant can also have medicinal properties as it is reported to have antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities (3).

Identification & Biology

Sapphire berry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It can be identified by its alternate, simple, oval-shaped leaves that are wider near the tip than at the base. The leaves have deeply ridged veins, with many tiny hairs along veins on the underside of the leaf. The leaves can grow up to 3.5 inches (9cm) long. In May-June, white five-petaled flowers with many stamens can be found on the plant, growing in fluffy clusters with a pleasant fragrance. In late summer to October, these blooms give way to the sapphire berries; the slightly oblong, pea-sized blue fruits are also found in clusters (4).

Damage and Concern

Sapphire berry can become dominant in understory forest settings, as it is highly adaptable to varying environmental conditions and has no known pests in its introduced range. Dense stands of this shrub can compete with native shrubs such as spicebush (Lindera benzoin), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and maple leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium). This competition can alter the forest composition, as well as food sources and habitat availability for native insects and other wildlife. This shrub can be self-fertile, producing fruits even when only one individual plant is present. Fruits and seeds can be spread distances by birds.

Management

Manual/Mechanical Control: Small seedlings may be pulled by hand. Small shrubs may be removed mechanically, however this method of management becomes more difficult as the plant increases in size due to its deep taproot. 

Chemical Control: Herbicide can be applied directly to freshly cut stumps, using glyphosate or triclopyr. Basal bark applications can also be effective for controlling this plant, using triclopyr. Always follow herbicide labels, state and local regulations, and best management practices to minimize harm to surrounding vegetation and wildlife.

Monitoring and Reporting

LIISMA is currently monitoring sapphire berry as part of our Early Detection and Rapid Response Program. As reports of the species are collected, LIISMA is working with partners to delineate and manage any early emerging infestations before they become widespread. Sapphire berry is currently a Tier 3 species within LIISMA, prioritized for containment to prevent its further spread. 

Your reports matter to us – please report the species to iMapinvasives or iNaturalist as soon as you detect it.

iNaturalist is a free app and website that can help you record your own observations, identify species, collaborate with others, and access the observational data collected by iNaturalist users. Already using iNaturalist? Join a LIISMA iNaturalist Project to have your invasive species observations automatically uploaded to our projects! Here are some of our projects you can join: Invasive Species in Priority Areas, EDRR Species, LIFERS, Tier 1 Invasive Species, and more!

Want to dive deeper? Check out iMapInvasives to map invasive species like a pro!

Further Resources

Identification Video by Lower Hudson PRISM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRiF_uwa9Sg 

Factsheet from Massachusetts: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OxYJjYg_sR-j46CDVynwmdsqURqwfhfw/view