Ontario Trees & Shrubs website

Hercules' Club
Aralia elata

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata) Other scientific names: Aralia spinosa

French names: Angélique en arbre du Japon

Family: Ginseng Family (Araliaceae)

Distinctive features: Shrub

Flowers: Summer;  White;  5 parts (petals)

Leaves: Compound

Habitat: Forests

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 322   

Native/Non-native: Native

Photographs: 35 photographs available, of which 6 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

The huge doubly-compound leaf is a distinguishing feature of Hercules' Club.

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

Hercules' Club is also known for its wicked thorns. This is the trunk of the shrub.

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

A Hercules' Club shrub.

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

Another photo of its double-compund leaf.

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

Flowers higher up in the shrub.

Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

Closer view of Hercules' Club flowers. They bloom in late summer to early fall.


Range map for Hercules' Club (Aralia elata)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)