Aralia spinosa Hercule's club (Araliaceae) Deciduous tree

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Aralia spinosa
Hercule's club
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Aralia spinosa plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - New York to Florida, east to Texas. It is a member of the Araliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hercule's club.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aralia spinosa
Common Name:  Hercule's club
Family:  Araliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Handling the roots can cause dermatitis in some people[222]. Large amounts of the berries are poisonous[222].

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Buffs, rich woods and river banks in deep moist soils[43].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good deep loam and a semi-shady position[1]. Requires a sheltered position[1]. A fast-growing but short-lived tree in its native zone[229], this species is of little value in Britain[1]. It is generally a single-stemmed plant, often spreading freely by means of suckers[182, 229]. Plants make finer foliage when growing in rich soils but are generally healthier and longer-lived in a comparatively poor soil[11]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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