Aralia chinensis aka Chinese Angelica Tree

Aralia chinensis has the common name Chinese angelica tree. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. Its native range spans China, Vietnam and Malaysia. In China, it grows on wooded slopes and stream banks. It also grows in forests with rich, moist soil. This large shrub or small tree sheds its leaves each year. Shoots from its roots can form thick stands around it.

Plants reach 12–20 feet (3.7–6.1 metres). Some reach 30 feet (9.1 metres). In home gardens, shrubs often reach about 15 feet (4.6 metres). Their spread can reach 20 feet (6.1 metres). Spines line the stems, so keep plants clear of busy paths. Huge, bipinnate leaves form a broad canopy over the shrub. Each leaf splits into parts called pinnae, which bear leaflets. A leaf can reach 3 feet (0.9 metres) long. It can span 2 feet (0.6 metres) across. Each pinna bears five to thirteen pale gray-green leaflets. These oval leaflets turn yellow in fall.

Small, off-white flowers bloom from August to September. They grow at stem tips in large groups called panicles. These consist of umbels, with flower stalks sharing a base. Black fruit adds interest once the flowers fade. Birds and butterflies come to the plant. Its bold leaves suit shrub borders and woodland edges. Give it room in parts of the garden with less use. The bare stems can look coarse through winter. Leaves, flowers and fruit add interest through the growing season.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade. It prefers rich loam with humus that stays moist but drains well. It can also grow well in average garden soil. Shelter from strong winds helps keep the large leaves safe. Missouri Botanical Garden lists hardiness in USDA zones 7–10. Plants spread by seed and root suckers. Remove unwanted suckers at once to limit their spread. Grow new plants from seed, root cuttings or divided suckers.

Serious pest and disease problems are rare, though leaf spots can occur. Aphids and mealybugs may also appear. The plant resists deer, but spines limit safe sites for it. Touching bark or roots can cause allergic skin reactions. Plants For A Future lists leaves and young shoots as edible. It describes cooking the shoots or blanching them for salads. That source also notes past uses of stems and roots as medicine. These uses do not show that home treatment is safe. Reports describe the bark as mildly poisonous.