Aralia elata Seeds | Japanese Angelica Tree
LATIN NAME: Aralia elata
COMMON NAME: Japanese Angelica Tree
Plant Profile
Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata) is a spiny, suckering deciduous shrub or small tree of the ginseng family (Araliaceae), native to Japan, Korea, northeastern China and Russia. It grows 3-8 m, with huge, twice-divided leaves, stout, thorny stems and great late-summer panicles of small white flowers followed by black berries. The young spring shoots are the prized mountain vegetable tara-no-me in Japan, and the plant has become invasive in parts of North America.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Aralia elata ranges from the botany of the Aralia group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Species has also become naturalised and occasionally invasive in parts of eastern North America, prompting some regional invasive-species monitoring research. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Japanese Angelica Tree for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Mature plant’s bold foliage and dramatic late-summer flower panicles also give it genuine ornamental value in larger gardens with room for its substantial, spreading habit. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Spikenards and their relatives have folk-medicine records as spring tonics and for skin and rheumatic complaints, and their saponin-rich roots are studied in Asian pharmacology. Young shoots of some species are a prized mountain vegetable in East Asia.
Growing from Seed
Japanese Angelica Tree grows readily from seed. A period of cold, moist stratification helps seed germinate evenly, after which it should be sown into a loose, well-drained mix. Bright light suits young seedling well, and this vigorous shrub typically establishes readily, though its spiny mature stems are worth keeping in mind when siting it near paths or seating areas. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Once established, Japanese Angelica Tree largely looks after itself. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
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