Kalopanax septemlobus (Castor Aralia)


Botanical Information

FamilyAraliaceae
GenusKalopanax
Speciesseptemlobus
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesDirr’s Encyclopedia of trees and Shrubs Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland Missouri Botanical Garden Manual of Woody Landscape Plants
OriginOriginated in Asia (Japan, China and Korea) and Eastern Russia. Brought to North America in 1865 for arboretums.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4a - 8b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-32 - (-7)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 20
Height30 m
Spread13 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJuly, August

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA large deciduous tree with brilliant yellow colours in the autumn. Although the tree has great shape and colour it has the potential to become an invasive species due to its extreme hardiness.
ID CharacteristicDark gray rigid bark. Its flowers are white umbellose-shaped panicle clusters. It grows small blue-black berries that stay attached throughout the winter.
ShapeUpright oval shape.
LandscapeTypically used as an ornamental or shade tree in landscapes. Can also be used as an urban tree.
CultivationGrows best in moist soil in full sun. It is very tolerable to any acidity and all soils.
PestsNo known pests or diseases.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatLowland marshes and wetlands of varying pH levels.
Bark/Stem DescriptionVery coarse and prickle-covered young bark that turns to dark gray furrowed bark with age.
Leaf DescriptionLarge lobed leaves up to 36 cm long, with 5 - 7 lobes.
Flower DescriptionOutstanding 31 cm wide inflorescences that consist of umbellos panicle clusters of white flowers.
Fruit DescriptionSmall, round bluish-black berries that persist through winter.
Colour DescriptionDark green glossy leaves with dark gray furrowed bark. Clusters of numerous white flowers. Very vivid yellow and red foliage in the autumn along with bluish-black berries.
Texture DescriptionVery coarse prickly texture. Loses its prickly texture with age and becomes more coarse.

Photographs