Aralia elata

A classic hardy plant for serious foliage effect. This deciduous large shrub or small tree sends up stout, spiny stems to about 3m high topped by huge, bipinnate leaves, a joy in themselves. The foliage often colours well in autumn as the substantial panicles of white flowers are produced, followed by heavy heads of black fruit. Often a suckering shrub, but given a warm position will make a small tree.