Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree)

Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) with green leaves and white flower clusters, tree view.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) with green foliage and clusters of white flower sprays.

Botanical name: Aralia elata

Common name: Japanese Angelica Tree

Family: Araliaceae

Origin: China, Korea

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 4-9

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
Pink flowersWhite, off-white flowersFlower color: Pink; white and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous
Thorny or spinyThorns: Thorny or spiny
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Aralia elata, commonly known as Japanese Angelica Tree, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub in the Araliaceae family, native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, eastern China, and parts of the Russian Far East. It develops an upright, sparsely branched habit with stout, often spiny stems and can reach 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 m) tall. The enormous bipinnate leaves, often 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) long, give the plant a bold, tropical appearance despite its excellent cold hardiness.

In late summer, mature plants produce large terminal panicles of small creamy white flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects, followed by clusters of glossy black berries that are relished by birds. Young spring shoots, known as tara-no-me, are considered a seasonal delicacy in Japan and are commonly prepared as tempura or other traditional dishes. Aralia elata grows best in full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, although established plants tolerate a range of conditions. It spreads gradually by root suckers, eventually forming colonies if left unmanaged. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, it is valued as both an architectural landscape plant and an edible ornamental with striking foliage, impressive flower clusters, and excellent seasonal interest.

Note: Aralia elata is listed as an invasive plant in the state of Maine. Sale and import into Maine are prohibited by state regulations.

Similar plants: Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree)


Image gallery: 9 images
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) green leaves with thin branches reaching toward blue sky
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) showing multiple compound green leaves against a clear sky
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink flower cluster with tiny black fruit close up
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink stalks with small white buds and dark round fruit
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink flower cluster among large green leaves on tree
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink flower panicle surrounded by lush green foliage on branches.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink flower clusters with dark berries and green leaves.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) pink flower clusters mixed with dark berries above green leaves.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) green leaves with large clusters of small white plant flowers.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) showing detailed green leaves and large clusters of white flowers.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) purple fruit clusters on green leafy branch close up
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) carries small purple berries on delicate stems among green leaves.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) green leaves with pink flower clusters on tree branches
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) with spreading branches, green leaves, and soft pink flower clusters.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) with off-white flowers, pink stems, and dark black fruit.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) showing clusters of off-white flowers, pink stems, and black fruit.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) with green leaves and pink flower clusters on tree.
Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) showing large green leaves alongside clusters of pink flowers.


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