Aralia elata is a deciduous thicket forming tree or shrub, up to 40 ft. tall with an irregular form. It has a spreading habit and can be multi or single stemmed. The bark is covered in sharp thorns.
Foliage
The leaves are alternate and 2 to 3 times pinnately compound with toothed or mostly toothless margins. The leaflets are from 2-4.75 in. long with the entire leaf from 2-4 ft. long. The main leaf veins extend to the leaf edge with spines along the leaf axils.
Flowers
The whitish to cream colored flowers are borne in a large inflorescence from 12-24 in. long. The inflorescence is multi-stemmed and is often wider than tall. It blooms from about late July to August.
Fruit
Fruits are small purple to black berries appearing August to September and ripening from September to October.
Ecological Threat
Aralia elata can be found in a variety of different habitat types such as forest, shrub land, meadow, and landscaping. It is highly threatening to native plant communities.