Chinese angelica tree (Aralia chinensis)
The Aralia chinensis, or Chinese angelica tree, is a fast-growing, large, suckering shrub known for its massive compound leaves and late-summer blossoms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Aralia chinensis, widely recognized as the Chinese angelica tree, offers dramatic tropical texture to temperate gardens. This plant commands attention with its huge, bi-pinnate compound leaves that form an expansive, lush canopy throughout the growing season. Although often managed as a large shrub, its towering presence and distinctive spiny stems give it unique architectural interest.
Native to slopes and woodland banks in East Asia, the Aralia chinensis is prized for its late-season attributes, including sprays of off-white flowers attractive to bees and subsequent dark purple-black fruit favored by birds. Gardeners who appreciate bold, architectural foliage will find this deciduous shrub a rewarding and relatively low-maintenance specimen.
Despite its imposing size, the bark and roots of the Chinese angelica tree require handling with care due to potential skin irritation. Its rapid, suckering growth habit means it is best suited for areas where it can naturalize freely without encroaching on manicured beds.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: China, Vietnam, Malaysia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 12-20 ft
- Spread: 12-20 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Off-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Chinese angelica tree is best accomplished in spring or fall, allowing it time to establish roots before facing temperature extremes. Locate Aralia chinensis in average, well-drained soils that are medium in moisture content. This species thrives equally well in full sun or partial shade, although it prefers moist, fertile, humusy loams. Due to its large leaves which are vulnerable to tearing, it is best sited in areas protected from strong, damaging winds.
Water needs are medium; ensure consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry summer periods. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is fertile and humusy, matching its native woodland edge environment. Pruning is primarily reactionary: promptly remove any root suckers if you wish to control its aggressive spread and prevent unwanted naturalization into thickets.
This vigorous grower is easily propagated by seed, root cuttings, or division of suckers. Be aware that plants will spread somewhat rapidly via these methods. While generally robust, gardeners should manage expectations regarding its winter appearance, as the coarse structure is less appealing before the spring flush of foliage emerges.
Landscape Uses
The primary suggested use for Aralia chinensis is to naturalize it in less formal settings. Because of its spiny stems, it should be placed where contact is unlikely, making it an excellent choice for woodland margins, remote banks, or large shrub borders where its spread can be accommodated. Its massive compound leaves provide a tropical, coarse texture that contrasts beautifully with finer-leaved understory plants.
When allowed to spread, the Chinese angelica tree forms dense thickets that can be useful for screening or mass planting on slopes. Though it can appear coarse in winter, the combination of late-summer flowers and dark fall fruit provides significant ornamental interest during the active growing season. Avoid using this bold specimen near entryways or high-traffic paths.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aralia chinensis, commonly known as Chinese angelica tree, is a deciduous, suckering, spiny-stemmed small tree or large shrub that typically grows to 12-20’ tall, though it can occasionally reach 30’. It is distinguished by huge showy bi-pinnate compound leaves, which can reach 3’ long, and small off-white flowers that bloom in large terminal panicles in late summer. Flowers are followed by clusters of fleshy, spherical, dark purple-black drupes that are highly attractive to birds.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Generally, Aralia chinensis is noted for having no serious insect or disease problems, which contributes to its ease of care. However, it can occasionally suffer from leaf spots, and minor infestations of aphids or mealybugs may occur; these are usually manageable with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. A crucial consideration for gardeners is the physical risk involved; handling the bark and roots may cause allergic skin reactions, necessitating gloves during pruning or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese angelica tree suitable for?
The Aralia chinensis is hardy across USDA Zones 7 to 10, allowing for successful cultivation across a broad temperate range.
How large does Chinese angelica tree grow?
At maturity, this plant typically reaches a height and spread between 12 to 20 feet, though it can sometimes grow taller in ideal conditions.
What sun exposure does Aralia chinensis need?
This species is adaptable, performing well in locations ranging from full sun to partial shade.
When does Aralia chinensis bloom?
The Chinese angelica tree produces its off-white flowers late in the season, typically blooming from August into September.
Conclusion
The Aralia chinensis stands out as a powerful architectural element in the landscape, celebrated for its massive foliage and beneficial late-season blooms that attract pollinators and birds. Successfully growing this Chinese angelica tree means placing it where its aggressive, suckering habit can roam freely, such as in naturalized areas. Before planting, verify that your USDA hardiness zone falls within zones 7 through 10 and ensure you have adequate space for its mature spread.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions for Aralia chinensis is key to softening its coarse texture and managing its large footprint. Since it prefers moist, fertile, humusy loams, pair it with other plants that share similar requirements under partial shade. Consider pairing it beneath the high canopy of large trees like Oak (Quercus species) where its spread will be contained, or beside hostas and large ferns (Dryopteris or Matteuccia genera) whose softer textures contrast beautifully with its bold leaves.
Wildlife Benefits
The Chinese angelica tree offers significant appeal to local fauna, particularly in the late summer and autumn when many other plants have finished flowering. The small, off-white flowers blooming in large terminal panicles are highly attractive nectar sources for various bees searching for late-season forage. Furthermore, the developing clusters of dark purple-black fleshy drupes are a valuable food source, attracting numerous bird species just before migration or winter sets in.
