Aralia elata, also known as the Japanese angelica tree,
Description
It is an upright
deciduous small
tree or
shrub growing up to in height.
The bark is rough and gray with prickles. The leaf are alternate, large, 60–120 cm long, and double pinnate. The are produced in large in late summer, each flower small and white. The fruit is a small black drupe.
Aralia elata is closely related to the American species Aralia spinosa, with which it is easily confused. A. elata can be differentiated by having its inflorescence on a horizontal axis.
Cultivation
Aralia elata is cultivated, often in a variegated form, for its exotic appearance. It prefers deep loamy soils in partial shade, but will grow in poorer soils and in full sun. The
'Variegata'
and 'Aureovariegata'
have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Culinary uses
Japan
In Japan, the shoots are eaten in the spring. They are picked from the end of the branches and are commonly fried in a
tempura batter.
They can also be blanched or stir fried, among other methods.
Korea
In Korea, young shoots are harvested during a month, from early April to early May, when they are soft and fragrant. In
Korean cuisine, the shoots are commonly eaten blanched, pickled, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
Invasive species
The tree was introduced into the United States in 1830. Birds like to eat the fruits, and are spreading its seeds, allowing the tree to expand its range as an
invasive species in the northeastern United States.
[ U.S. Dept. of Agriculture: Map of distribution in U.S. and Canada]
