Castor Aralia

Kalopanax septemlobus

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Russia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Araliaceae
Genus:
Kalopanax
Species:
Kalopanax septemlobus
USDA Symbol:
KASE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
2500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 120–180 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds exhibit double dormancy requiring warm stratification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take two years.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society