This vigorous suckering small tree has an upright spiny trunk with spreading branches that form an open crown. The leaves have mid green oval leaflets that turn yellow-orange in autumn and the greenish flowers appear in late summer, followed by black fruit.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Aralia elata is naturally found from Japan to north-east Asia growing in moist well-drained organic rich soils and prefers a sunny wind protection position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Japanese Angelica Tree is grown for its habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a border or specimen plant. It is also used in woodland gardens or along watercourses and  establishes from division in 2 to 3 years. It is suitable for cool gardens on the coast or inland. It is a suckering plant and may require containment during spring. ID 1664

Aralia (uh-RAY-lee-uh) elata (el-AH-tuh)

Araliaceae (ah-RA-lee-AY-see-ee)