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Udo

Aralia cordata
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Aralia cordata (Udo) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2A1B — Aralia cordata
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I

Overview

Udo (Aralia cordata) is a perennial subshrub or herb known for its ornamental and edible qualities. Native to regions including China South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, Sakhalin, Taiwan, and Kuril Islands, this plant thrives in partial sun to full shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy from zone 4 to 9 and grows up to 1.8 meters tall. The leaves, shoots, stems, and roots of Udo are edible, making it a versatile addition to gardens and culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to various soil pH levels between 5 and 7.2, enhancing its suitability for diverse garden settings.

Quick answers

What is Udo?

Udo (Aralia cordata) is a perennial subshrub or herb known for its ornamental and edible qualities.

What is Udo used for?

Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Udo
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Udo is traditionally used in East Asian medicine to support the immune system, often consumed as a tea or decoction.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that modulate immune responses and enhance overall health.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
  • Udo has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support gastrointestinal health.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with the gut microbiota and promote digestive comfort.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Used traditionally to soothe nervousness.
Digestive Comfort
digestion
decoction
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Udo (Aralia cordata) thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Udo grows up to 1.8 meters tall as a subshrub or herb and can be harvested for its edible leaves, roots, shoots, and stems. Maintain soil pH between 5 and 7.2 for optimal growth.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.2
For first-time growers

How to grow Udo for the first time

8steps

Start with Udo as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small Udo plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Ensure soil is well-draining and has a pH between 5 and 7.2.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost is past.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter for a tidy appearance and to encourage new growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, using the wrong soil type, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootShootsStem
Edible uses: The Udo plant (Aralia cordata) is edible and its leaves, roots, shoots, and stems can be consumed. Typically, the young shoots are prepared raw or cooked in stir-fries or soups. The roots may be dried for later use or ground into a powder. Leaves and stems can also be eaten fresh or used in various dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

8 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 8 native· 1 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Sakhalin
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Aralia cordata (Udo) — botanical photograph
Udo (Aralia cordata)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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