Description:

An evergreen tree or large shrub with few side branches, crowned with long stalked, wide leaves that are deeply lobed and cut. appearing like lacy snowflakes; yellow flowers in spring, followed by fruit clusters, but primarily grown for foliage

Ornamental Features

Snowflake Aralia has attractive forest green evergreen foliage which emerges khaki (brownish-green) in spring on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The large deeply cut lobed palmate leaves are highly ornamental and remain forest green throughout the winter. It features subtle clusters of yellow star-shaped flowers hanging below the branches from late winter to mid spring. The grayish green fruits which fade to dark brown over time are held in clusters from late spring to mid summer. The mottled tan bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Snowflake Aralia is an open evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Snowflake Aralia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Snowflake Aralia will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America..

Snowflake Aralia is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.