Tree aralia Kalopanax pictus

Castor aralia is a large, flowering tree, reaching 60 feet in height and is the only large tree in the ginseng family. In its native eastern Asia, this massive tree can reach 90 to 100 feet tall, is long lived and hardy, and uses its large leaves to cast a dense shade. The leaves are similar to castor beans, hence the common name. Tiny, 1 inch white flowers in dense 1 to 2 foot wide panicles appear in late summer. Fruits are attractive to birds. The genus name comes from the Greek word kalos meaning beautiful and Panax the name of a related genus. The species name means having 7 lobes, a characteristic of the leaves..

Castor aralia does best in deep, moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. It will tolerate light shade and drought, but is generally intolerant of hot and humid summers like those found in the deep South. It will not do well in dry soils.

The trunk, branches and the younger stems are armed with spines that tend to disappear from the trunk and larger branches as the tree matures. It has been grown in Europe and the United States as a "tropical" ornamental. It is cold hardy and can be cut back hard each year to control growth.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known insect or disease problems. Thorns on branches may be a problem.