Udo

Aralia cordata

Physical Characteristics

Aralia cordata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. 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 and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 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, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young branched shoots - cooked or raw[2, 46, 61, 105, 177, 279]. They can be up to 1.5 metres long and have a mild and agreeable flavour[116]. They are usually blanched and are crisp and tender with a unique lemon-like flavour[183]. They can be sliced and added to salads, soups etc[206]. The shoots contain about 1.1% protein, 0.42% fat, 0.8% soluble carbohydrate, 0.55% ash[179]. Root - cooked[22, 105, 177]. Used like scorzonera[2].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Carminative Diuretic Febrifuge Stimulant Stomachic Tonic The root is sometimes used in China as a substitute for ginseng (Panax species)[218]. It is said to be analgesic, antiinflammatory, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[218, 279]. The root contains an essential oil, saponins, sesquiterpenes and diterpene acids[279]. It is used in Korea to treat the common cold and migraines[279].

Known Hazards

None known