Japanese Angelica Tree Aralia elata

Japanese Angelia Tree is a deciduous multistemmed large shrub or small tree in the ginseng family (Araliaceae) native to eastern Asia. The tree was introduced into the United States in 1830 and has been spread by birds eating the fruits. It has become invasive in the northeastern United States and is making its way south to NC. Genus name comes from the Latinization of the old French-Canadian name of aralie. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word meaning elevated.

In its native habitat, it grows 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide, but in cultivation it typically grows up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It tolerates a wide range of soil types but prefers moist well-drained fertile soil in full sun to part shade. It can be confused with the native tree known as devil's walkingstick

This plant has large compound leaves clustered near the end of branches, giving it an umbrella-like appearance. The showy flowers occur in late summer in long panicles and are followed by round black drupes in fall. There are many sharp spines on the branches and and trunk of this tree.

It is not recommended to plant this tree as it is an extremely aggressive, fast-growing, tree that invades forest canopy gaps, forest edges, and right of ways and can outgrow and outcompete native plants. See native alternatives to the left.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: susceptible to leaf spots. aphids and mealybugs