Japanese Angelica Tree

Scientific Name: Aralia elata

Plant Family: Araliaceae

Native Region: East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Eastern Russia) and naturalized in the Northeastern United States

Japanese Angelica Tree

Brief Description

A deciduous, spiny woody plant that can grow as a large shrub or small tree. It features bi-pinnate or tri-pinnate compound leaves that are massive in size, often reaching 3 to 4 feet in length. The stems and leaf stalks are covered in sharp prickles.

Care Instructions

This plant is extremely adaptable and often considered invasive. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Once established, it requires very little care and can tolerate urban conditions, though its spread via suckers must be managed.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade (4 to 8 hours of light per day)

Watering

Moderate watering needs; it prefers consistent moisture but is quite drought-tolerant once mature. Over-watering in heavy clay can lead to root rot.

Soil

Prefers rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5, though it is highly tolerant of poor or rocky soils.

Hardiness Zone

4 to 9

Growth Habit

Deciduous perennial shrub or small tree; grows 12-25 feet tall with an upright, sparsely branched form; spreads via aggressive root suckers.

Bloom Season

White to cream flowers in late summer (August-September) arranged in large, terminal umbels, followed by small purple-black berries.

Toxicity

Generally considered non-toxic to humans if prepared correctly as food, but the sharp spines on the stems and leaves cause physical injury. Minimal data exists for pets, so caution is advised.

Propagation

Commonly propagates via seeds dispersed by birds or by removing and replanting the aggressive root suckers.

Common Pests & Issues

Leaf spot and aphids can occur, but its primary 'issue' is its aggressive, invasive nature in non-native regions like the Eastern US, where it outcompetes native flora.

Similar Species

Aralia spinosa (Devil's Walking Stick) is very similar but has a more elongated flower panicle; Aralia elata has a broader, more rounded flower cluster. It can also be confused with Sumac, which lacks the thorns.

Interesting Facts

The plant is often referred to as 'Devil's Walking Stick' along with its North American cousin due to the many sharp prickles that cover its upright trunk. In Japan, it is known as 'The King of Forest Vegetables.'

Created At: 2026-05-13T15:51:37.109485