Aralia spinosa
Family: Araliaceae
Small, deciduous, spiny tree, which forms a very large panicle of white
flowers composed of numerous umbels. Native to the southeastern and
southern United States. I have encountered very impressive trees
in Florida, and have seen it spring up in clear-cuts in Kentucky.
Grows in damp, rich woods and will naturalize throughout most of the states.
Beautiful. We have a large one which we planted years ago from seed,
growing outside our back door in full sun. The dried bark is a stimulating
alterative, and the tincture of the berries has been used for allaying
pain, especially toothache. Cultivation: Subject the
seeds to a period of cold conditioning prior to planting in the spring,
either by putting them in moist medium in a plastic bag in the refrigerator
for several months or by planting the seeds in a flat and leaving outdoors
to naturally condition them. Prick seedlings to a gallon pot and
grow out for one year before transplanting to the landscape. Plant
at least 6 feet apart. Grows to 15 feet tall.
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