Overview:

The angelica tree (Aralia elata) is a small deciduous tree that bears clusters of cream colored blossoms during summertime.

The sprouts are cooked and eaten in some Asian cuisines like Japanese and Korean.

It has been granted an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Latin Name:

The name given to this species is Aralia elata and it belongs to the Araliaceae (aralia or ivy) family.

Examples of other family members include the devil's walking-stick (Aralia spinosa), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), ivy plants (Hedera spp.), ginseng (Panax spp.) and the umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola.)

Common Names:

You may see this named as the angelica tree, Japanese angelica tree or Japanese aralia.

Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones:

This tree grows best in Zones 4-8. It may be able to tolerate conditions in Zone 3 in some regions.

Size & Shape:

Aralia elata can be either a large shrub or small tree. At maturity it can be 12-40' tall and 6-30' wide. It has an irregular shape.

Exposure:

Full sun to partial shade is tolerated by the angelica tree.

Foliage/Flowers/Fruit:

This tree bears foliage that is bipinnate, where the true leaf is made up of leaflets. Each leaflet is itself made up of little leaflets. The leaves can be either red or yellow in the fall.

Bees will come visit the clusters (called panicles) of white flowers that come in summer. They are followed by purplish-black drupes that are a favorite food for birds.

Design Tips:

Look for 'Silver Umbrellas', ‘Aureovariegata’, 'Golden Umbrella' or 'Variegata' if you prefer foliage with a variegated appearance.

Aralia elata is considered to be invasive in some regions since it spreads through seeds dropped by birds and clones itself, so check with your local nursery or extension service before you plant this.

The trunk and branches are covered with prickly bark.

Growing Tips:

Aronia elata grows well in urban locations since it can handle pollution and various pH levels and soil types.

You can reproduce the angelica tree by planting the seeds, dividing the suckers or taking cuttings. Grafting is necessary for named cultivars or the desired characteristics will not be found on the resulting tree.

Maintenance/Pruning:

The angelica tree will not need yearly pruning unless parts have become dead, diseased or damaged. You may have to watch for any suckers and remove them to help keep the tree from cloning itself and spreading.

Pests

• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Glasshouse red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
• Thrips

Diseases:

There are no serious disease problems associated with Aralia elata. You may see some leaf spots, but they are generally not too harmful.