Japanese Angelica Tree
Aralia elata
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Pl. F609 — Aralia elata
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IOverview
Overview
The Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata) is a deciduous tree native to the forests and woodlands of East Asia, including regions such as Amur, China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia. This plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, which can be used in various culinary applications. The Japanese Angelica Tree thrives in moist soil with a preference for light or partial sun, making it adaptable to both full sun and shade conditions. It grows well in soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and is hardy in zones 4-9. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to reach heights of up to 6 meters, while another notable characteristic is the presence of large, compound leaves that provide a striking ornamental display.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Angelica Tree?
The Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata) is a deciduous tree native to the forests and woodlands of East Asia, including regions such as Amur, China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia.
What is Japanese Angelica Tree 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 Japanese Angelica Tree
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Japanese Angelica Tree has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on the belief that it can help maintain overall health and resilience against common ailments.
The mechanism by which Japanese Angelica Tree supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and flavonoids, which are known to have immunomodulatory effects in related species.
- Japanese Angelica Tree is traditionally used to aid digestion, particularly for symptoms like bloating and indigestion. It is often prepared as a tea or decoction.
The mechanism by which Japanese Angelica Tree aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve the presence of compounds such as saponins and flavonoids that can help regulate digestive processes.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Ease
digestiondecoction
Traditional remedy for digestive discomfort.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese Angelica Tree thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-9 and grows up to 6 meters tall. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. This tree is native to regions such as Amur, China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia, making it adaptable to temperate climates. Its edible leaves and shoots can be enjoyed when harvested properly.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Angelica Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Japanese Angelica Tree to experience growing this hardy tree.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil; amend soil if necessary for your garden type.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring or start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants in spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist; avoid overwatering, especially if the weather is cool.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, mulch around base for moisture retention. Prune only dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts; remove any dead or weak branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Japanese Angelica Tree's leaves and shoots are edible. They can be prepared in various ways—eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the young shoots are harvested and steamed or stir-fried to add a unique flavor to dishes. Leaves may also be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)AustriaDenmarkSwedenSwitzerland
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Khabarovsk, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin
introduced:Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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