Aralia spinosa L.

A deciduous tree. It grows 10 m tall. It spreads by root suckers. The bark is grey and has stout prickles. The leaves are twice divided and very large. They are 1 m long. There are many oval leaflets which taper to the tip. These are 7.5 cm long by 4 cm wide. They are bronze when young and become dull green above and paler underneath. They are hairy on both sides. They turn yellow to purple before they fall. The stalk is prickly and the shoot is stout and prickly. The flowers are small and white. They occur in clusters in large heads. They are on a single main axis. They fruit are rounded and purple-black. They are 6 mm long.

Buffs, rich woods and river banks in deep moist soils. Low upland woods, wood margins, thickets, wooded slopes, bluffs and ravines, fields and pastures.

The young unfolding leaves are used as a potherb. They are finely chopped, flavoured with vinegar and eaten with rice.

Can be grown by cuttings, seedlings or suckers.