Chinese Angelica Tree, Pumila Spirea, Chinese Astilbe

Aralia chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Aralia chinensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in) at a medium rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. Used as a vegetable[206]. Blanched and used in salads[116]. Although no records of edibility have been seen for the seed, it is said to contain 5.8 - 17.5% protein, 4.2 - 46.3% fat and 3.7 - 5.7% ash[218].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Carminative Diuretic Sialagogue The stem and root are anodyne and carminative[147, 218]. It is used as a warming painkilling herb in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis[238]. The root is also considered to be useful in the treatment of diabetes and dysmenorrhoea[218]. Some caution is advised since the bark is considered to be slightly poisonous[218]. The stembark is diuretic and sialagogue[218].

Known Hazards

The bark is considered to be slightly poisonous[218].