skip to main content

Thoughts on Aralia spinosa?

19 years ago

Just figured out what this spiny volunteer is - it's growing in a place where I don't have anything yet, and where I need something TOUGH. Everything I've read makes it seem fairly desirable, except for the spines and the fact that it is apparently impossible to get rid of - and that it can spread rapidly? Should I welcome this plant or be wary?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Fledgeling_
19 years ago
all i can say is i wish it grew where i am
Treedoc66
19 years ago
And I am glad it aint here......

Rx
Related Discussions
Aralia spinosa and Tetradium danielli
Q
Comments (2)
My experience with Aralia spinosa is near the NH seacoast, which is a little bit warmer than you, right on the border of 5a and 5b. However, I did want to warn you that this plant does self-seed a fair amount, from dropped fruit and birds who have eaten the fruit. Because of its thorniness, removing volunteers can be an uncomfortable process. You might want to research an alternative bee forage plant that doesn't have this problematic aspect.
...See More
Perennial Identify please!
Q
Comments (3)
You may have a lot better success with your queries if you post them in the 'Name That Plant!' forum. That is the intended venue for plant ID questions and there are a lot of very knowledgeable follks there who have amazing ID skills. Including several Australian posters who may very well have firsthand knowledge of your plants.
...See More
Aralia spinosa and Tetradium danielli
Q
Comments (0)
I read conflicting report about the cold hardiness of Devil's Walking Stick and Bee Bee Tree in zone 5a. I like to hear about your personal experience (not info perpetuated in the web)growing these plants. I like to grow them as bee forage. Do they grow and FLOWER in zone 5a? I'm in northern Illinois. Any personal and/or local experience (northern Illinois, Wisconsin or Zone 5a resident)is appreciated. Thanks.
...See More
Overripe Aralia spinosa
Q
Comments (2)
midwesternerr: I think your information concerning the number of seeds in a fruit of Aralia spinosa is incorrect. Dirr's Manual suggests 3-5 seed-like stones (nutlets) per fruit. Seeds of Woody Plants of North America lists 2-5 nutlets per fruit. I just went out, collected some remaining fruit from plants here on my property, and cleaned three of them (to prove it to myself). I found 4, 5, and 5 of the little nutlets in these. I think you have just what you should have. You just had some info that wasn't quite right.
...See More
shelley_r
19 years ago
I have one that is almost 2 years old now. It did not bloom last year (not enough sun?), but I'm hopeful for this year. Anyway, even without flowers, I think it's beautiful. The huge compound leaves are very lush and tropical looking. I really like it.

Shelley
plantfreak
19 years ago
I agree that it is a desirable plant, but watch out for those stems! I remember clearly one night at an outdoor party in Florida when I grabbed a hold of a "small tree" and it turn out to be an aralia! Wow! That will wake you up! PF

Related Stories

CHRISTMAS Homes Around the World Wish You a Merry Christmas

By Becky Harris

Share in the Yuletide cheer of homes sporting their holiday finest, from Amsterdam to the U.S. West Coast

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pretty Trees for Patios, Paths and Other Tight Spots

Choose trees for their size, shape and rate of growth — or shape them to fit your space. Here's how to get started

GARDENING GUIDES Meet the Grass-Carrying Wasp, a Gentle Pollinator of Summer Flowers

By Pollination Press LLC

These fascinating insects nest in wood cavities and hollow plant stems

Sponsored