Facts on Aralia

Hardiness

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are nine species of plants in the genus aralia, and hardiness varies depending on the species. For example, California spikenard (Aralia californica) is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Chinese angelica tree (Aralia chinensis) is hardy to USDA zone 7, while American spikenard ( Aralia racemosa) is hardy to zones 5 through 8. The more commonly recognized devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa) and angelica tree (Aralia elata) are both hardy in zones 4 to 9. Bristly sarsaparilla (Aralia nauticaulis) is hardier in cool climates than other varieties, growing in zones 2 through 8.

Foliage

• Plants in the aralia genus include trees, shrubs and rhizomatous perennials and their leaves may be either deciduous or evergreen. For example, angelica tree and devil’s walking stick are both deciduous, with leaves that turn pale yellow to reddish purple in the fall, while wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nauticaulis) is a perennial. Aralia leaves are also typically large, and some species are bristly, such as the wild sarsaparilla and devil’s walking stick. Leaf shape varies among each species, as does the coloration, which includes varying shades of green, white and gold; some may be variegated.

Flowers and Fruit

• Aralia plants flower prolifically, bearing white or greenish-white flowers in round or flat clusters. The flowers are followed by round purple to black fruit in the form of berries or drupes. The fruit of aralia plant is very appealing to birds.

General Care

• Aralias prefer fertile soil that is well-drained and rich in organic material, and they thrive in full sun to partial shade. They can be pruned to retain a better shape, but do so in the winter months when the plant is dormant. You can remove suckers at any time to limit the spread of your aralia plant. Aralias are not typically stress tolerant, and may defoliate when suffering from cultural issues such as drought, overwatering or cold temperatures.

Landscape Uses

• Because of their exotic appearance, aralias add interest in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Their profuse flowers and berries attract birds and pollinators to the landscape. They make an attractive specimen along garden borders, woodland gardens and stream or pond banks, or you can grow them in large containers on the patio.

Toxicity

• While most species in the genus aralia are not toxic, devil’s walking stick, also known as prickly ash or elder and Hercules’ club, is mildly poisonous to humans and animals. The raw, unripe berries, bark and roots all contain a toxic compound that can cause illness if ingested. However, ripe berries are not toxic. Skin contact with these parts can cause minor skin irritation as well, but this typically lasts only a few minutes.