tree

Japanese Angelica Tree

Aralia elata

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Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata) at Lurvey Garden Center

Japanese Angelica Tree

Japanese Angelica Tree

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata) at Lurvey Garden Center

Japanese Angelica Tree fruit

Japanese Angelica Tree fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 feet

Spread:  30 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Description:

One of the more interesting small trees, with sharp spines on the branches and fuzzy white flowers in summer; enormous leaves add a tropical look to the landscape

Ornamental Features

Japanese Angelica Tree features airy panicles of creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches from mid to late spring. It has green deciduous foliage. The enormous serrated pointy bipinnately compound leaves turn yellow in fall. The pink fruits are carried on plumes from early to late fall. The spiny khaki (brownish-green) bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Angelica Tree is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering
  • Spiny

Japanese Angelica Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Vertical Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Japanese Angelica Tree will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Articulation  Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features