Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Araliaceae

Genus:

Aralia

Species:

Aralia spinosa

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

20-40 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep

Bloom Colors:

White

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers forest edges and disturbed areas

Germination Information