Angelica tree

Angelica tree, Aralia elata, is a non-native large shrub or small tree that is a concern for invasive species professionals. Both the US Forest Service and the National Park Service have highlighted it as a species of concern and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources created this Invasive Plants: Angelica Tree resource. There are 4 confirmed reports of Angelica tree in Minnesota, all in the Twin Cities area. 

Further south and east of Minnesota there is a native cousin, Aralia spinosa, or devil's walkingstick. This name is appropriate because of the viciously sharp spins along the truck, branches, petioles and leaf midribs. Very similar sharp spins are found on non-native Angelica tree. 

Non-native Angelica tree is a concern because it can become an aggressive spreader from the roots and outcompete native plants. When devil's walkingstick and Angelica tree's ranges overlap they can hybridize. In Minnesota, we'd like to understand it's distribution. 

Help the University of Minnesota monitor the spread of Angelica tree by reporting sightings through EDDMapS. 

Early detection is key to controlling and reducing the spread of invasive species.

Watch this 2:11 minute video to learn how to report to EDDMapS. 

Angelica tree is a large spreading shrub or small tree. It can reach 40 feet in height and spread aggressively from root runners. It commonly has multiple stems. The trunk and stems have sharp prickles and spines. It has large double or triple compound leaves that form an umbrella-like canopy. It has the largest leaves of any temperate tree in North America. In horticultural sales there are standard and variegated plants. Variegated plants have white edges to the leaves, but when the roots run, the leaves will emerge as green not variegated. In late summer it has showy white flowers in large clusters. The flowers mature into purple-blackish fruit which is eaten by birds and spread. 

Devil's walkingstick is native to the eastern United States but not native to Minnesota. This is an unusual and noticeable plant. 

This 5:56 video from Monton Garden on the west side of Manchester, England highlights Aralia elata and describes its invasive spreading technique. There are also several examples to help build confidence with identification.