Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Japanese angelica tree is a shrub or small tree native to East Asia that has become invasive in parts of the eastern United States. Its spiny stems, large divided leaves, white flowers, and black fruit make it easy to confuse with the native devil’s walkingstick (Aralia spinosa).

Appearance

Growth form: This upright deciduous shrub or small tree can reach about 33 ft (10 m), though many plants stay shorter.
Leaves: Very large leaves are divided twice into many oval leaflets and gather near the ends of stout stems.
Flowers: Small white flowers appear in broad, branching clusters in midsummer.
Fruit: Small round fruits ripen black in late summer to early fall.

Look-alikes

devil’s walkingstickAralia spinosa

The flower cluster of Japanese angelica tree is usually broad and lacks a long . Devil’s walkingstick usually has a longer, narrower cluster with a clear central axis, but plants without flowers can be difficult to separate from photos.

Why they get mixed upBoth are spiny, have huge twice-divided leaves, white flowers, and black fruit.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: woodland edges
open areas
urban thickets
Range: It is native to East Asia and introduced in the United States. Established populations are best documented around Philadelphia, New York City, Long Island, and northern Delaware.
Preferred conditions: It favors sunny, disturbed edges and can spread from ornamental plantings into nearby natural areas.
Flowering: Flowers Jul–Aug
Flowers Jul–Aug · Fruit Aug–Sep

Cautions

Cautions: Sharp spines cover much of the young trunk and branches, so handle the plant carefully.

Name and classification

About the name: Four are recognized within this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant.

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