Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Araliaceae

Genus:

Aralia

Species:

Aralia elata

USDA Symbol:

AREL8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees, butterflies

Fragrant:

Yes

Fall Color:

yellow, red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers forest edges and clearings

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months to break dormancy; germination is often slow and erratic.