Who wouldn’t be enticed by Aralia plants and their unique beauty? Its attention-grabbing leaves and flowers are enough to make heads turn. Under this genera, there are around 70 species that might fit your preferences.
If you are planning to get one but would want some variations, here are some of the notable Aralia plant varieties you definitely should know about.
California Spikenard
The California spikenard or the elk clover is also known as Aralia californica and it is one of the most abundant types of Aralia. It thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8 and is native to California.
Some of its notable characteristics include its height, which extends from 4 to 10 feet. Also, one of the main characteristics that make it stand out is its beautiful white flowers.
Moreover, its leaves change color to a gorgeous golden yellow during fall. Because of its height and color, this species can easily be grouped with other plants as a foundation plant or be a stand-alone specimen inside your home. In terms of growing and caring for this plant, there are no special things to be done.
Devil’s Walking Stick
Aralia spinosa is the scientific name of the devil’s walking stick. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 8 but loves to flower during warm seasons.
This deciduous Aralia species bears white flowers for a long period when planted in the tropics. This characteristic is more evident during summer, wherein the plant is in bloom for the whole season. It can reach up to 20 feet high, which makes it a good shade plant if not utilized as a houseplant.
Despite its beauty, there should be some caution taken because of its berries. When someone ingests the said berries, there may be some digestive problems due to their mild toxicity. Knowing this, it is advisable to place it far away from areas where children and pets can have access to its fruits. Also, putting up a warning sign about its toxicity may be beneficial for the users of the space where this plant is present.
Chinese Angelica Tree
The Chinese angelica tree or the Aralia chinensis has a diverse range of uses in traditional medicine, including treating menstrual cramps, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Also, be extra careful when you are around this plant as the bark is slightly poisonous.
It is a native of Asian countries such as Vietnam, China, and Malaysia. Although, the plant thrives in USDA zones 7 to 10 and can tolerate medium light. It was naturalized in some areas and propagated mainly through the division of its suckers.
Some of this Chinese angelica tree’s notable characteristics are its height, flower, and fruits. In terms of height, this plant can reach up to 30 feet but is normally grown for about 12 to 15 feet.
Precaution is needed when in contact with its bark and roots. These plant parts are mildly toxic and can cause dermal irritation.
Angelica Tree
Distinguished from the Chinese angelica tree, the Aralia elata, also known as the Japanese or Korean angelica tree, hails from southeast Asian countries and thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8. Renowned for its height, large dark green leaves, and edible fruit, it can reach 35 feet but is often grown shorter for indoor spaces.
The expansive leaves, up to 3 feet each, make it an effective screen, and its pink or white blooms contribute to its aesthetic appeal.
While flowering and fruiting indoors may be challenging due to bright light requirements, outdoor planting allows for the harvest of edible fruits and shoots used in traditional Japanese dishes.
Japanese Spikenard
Aralia cordata or the Japanese spikenard, udo, or mountain asparagus is often utilized as an ornamental plant but is believed to have some medicinal value. Koreans used to harvest this plant’s roots and dry it as a part of their traditional medicine.
Also, some people harvest their young shoots and use them as an ingredient for different dishes. According to them, the young shoots give off a uniquely aromatic and pungent taste.
This species has some interesting characteristics that make it stand out. In a span of one growing season, this plant can grow for 3 to 6 feet already. Its vast growth habit greatly contributes to its shading abilities, especially in the forests. Also, the Japanese spikenard does not have thorns and hahas rhizomes. Moreover, its blooms are white and evident during the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
In terms of propagation, division is the best method for this species. Also, there are no special grow and care activities for it.
Check our guide on companion plants for Aralia sun king for more gardening and landscaping tips.
Japanese Aralia
Formerly known as Aralia japonica, this plant is now identified as Fatsia japonica and has various common names such as fig leaf palm, big leaf paper plant, Japanese fatsia, paper plant, Formosa rice tree, and glossy-leaved paper plant.
As evergreen trees, they feature palmate leaves with 7 to 11-toothed lobes, known for their glossy or leathery texture. The species can grow up to 19.5 feet in height and 6 feet in width, but is often cultivated in more compact dimensions, particularly as a houseplant.
Blooming cream-colored flowers on white stalks are observed outdoors in late autumn, with subsequent berry or drupe fruits. Notably, this species differs from other Aralias in its preference for shade over direct sunlight. Thriving in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b to 10a, it is resilient to salt, drought, and pollution, making it an ideal choice for shaded or low-light environments.
Rice-Paper Tree
The rice-paper tree, also known as tetrapanax or Chinese rice-paper plant, is native to Taiwan and South China, with various scientific names such as Aralia papyrifera, Tetrapanax papyriferus, Fatsia papyrifer, and Tetrapanax papyrifer. While valued for ornamental purposes, it earns its name from being a source of rice paper in China, utilizing its stems for paper production.
With impressive leaves extending up to 3 feet and arranged atop the main stem, the plant can become a focal point in landscaping. The smooth green upper side and rough-textured underside of each leaf contribute to its unique appearance, although the tiny white hairs causing skin and eye irritation should be noted.
Winter reveals dense, majestic white blooms in large groups. Optimal growth involves moist soil, shaded areas, and higher humidity to mimic its natural forest habitat. Notably, the species is salt-tolerant, enabling growth near seas and saltwater environments.
Ming Aralia (Parsley Aralia)
These aralia plants may not be under the same genera, but they are under the Araliaceae family. The ming aralia or Polyscias fruticosa deserves a special mention in this article because it is a landscape favorite.
The Parsley Aralia needs a well-lit, indirect sunlight setting and a steady watering regimen, allowing the soil feels dry between waterings.
The Polyscias fruticosa is often planted in pots. The Polyscias fruticosa prefers a well-draining soil mixture to prevent its roots from rotting.
What makes it perfect as a potted plant is its height which extends from 3 to 8 feet. Also, it has a spread of 2 to 3 feet only, meaning it would take up more vertical space than horizontal. It is also low-maintenance but is highly aesthetic. Some of the characteristics that contribute to its aesthetic value are its feathery foliage and flowers.
This species bears leaves that are delicately segmented and pronounced toothed margins. On the other hand, its blooms come in pale yellow or white colors during summer. In outdoor landscapes, this beauty is grown to be a specimen or hedge.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Aralia
When selecting the ideal Aralia, consider the placement of the plants to match their height with the intended location, factoring in temperature, light, and humidity conditions. Be mindful of potential visitors to the space, placing Aralias away from high human traffic areas due to some species’ toxic qualities.
Research the USDA plant hardiness zone of your location to ensure compatibility with different Aralia species and other plants.
Additionally, assess the time commitment you can dedicate to plant care; opt for slow growers if time is limited, reducing maintenance tasks like pruning and repotting. Conversely, if time is not a constraint, choose based on personal preference.
FAQs
Is aralia an indoor plant?
Aralia plants are often grown as indoor plants, prized for their attractive foliage and adaptability to indoor conditions. They can thrive in indirect light and well-lit indoor spaces.
What type is false aralia?
False Aralia typically refers to Dizygotheca elegantissima, a species in the Araliaceae family. It is a popular choice for indoor cultivation, known for its finely divided, feathery leaves.
Is Ming Aralia the same as false aralia?
Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) and False Aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima) are different species within the Araliaceae family, each with its own characteristics. While they share the common name “aralia,” they are distinct plants.
What is the common name for aralia variegated?
The common name for variegated aralia is often “Variegated Ming Aralia” or “Variegated False Aralia,” referring to cultivars with variegated foliage, such as Polyscias fruticosa ‘Variegata.’
See more: American Spikenard
*image by Akchamczuk/depositphotos
