[MAIPC] Aralia elata winter ID?

[Donna Ford-Werntz]

Norris, I found it mentioned that A. elata prickles are viscous (& it grows taller to 15 ft.).  I don't believe it's reported yet for WV.
I've never checked/noticed this feature in A. spinosa so it's not clear if that distinguishes between them (something to look at).
Of course, there are leaf & reproductive trait differences, so remember to look for such material on ground around individuals.

Donna Ford-Werntz, Ph.D.
Service Professor/Herbarium Curator
Biology Dept., Box 6057
Life Sci. Bldg., 53 Campus Dr.
West Virginia Univ.
Morgantown, WV 26506
304-293-0794; biology.wvu.edu

From: MAIPC <maipc-bounces at lists.maipc.org> on behalf of Muth, Norris (MUTH) <MUTH at juniata.edu>
Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2024 10:53 AM
To: maipc at lists.maipc.org <maipc at lists.maipc.org>
Subject: [MAIPC] Angelica elata winter ID?
I know that distinguishing Aralia spinosa (native to North American east coast) from Aralia elata (invasive in Mid Atlantic region) can be somewhat challenging in the growing season. Is anyone aware of any traits that can be used in the winter? The prickles, buds, and leaf scars don't look obviously different to my very limited experience, but maybe someone else has observed something more closely?
(I'm also guessing A. elata tends to occur in denser stands, but that's not a very reassuring way to tell them apart).
Thanks!

—

Norris Z. Muth, Ph.D.

he/him

Professor of Biology, Juniata College
muthlab.org<http://muthlab.org/>


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