Kalopanax septemlobus
Castor Aralia

Kalopanax septemlobus - Habit
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
White (Summer; small white flowers in large clusters (compound umbel) resembling fireworks)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Large (7-14" wide) tropical-looking star-shaped leaves; summer); Multi-Colored (Fall; yellow or red, but not always attractive)
 Stem Notes:
Yellow (Yellowish brown, coarse, stout, and glabrous; younger stems have spines, which tend to disappear as the tree matures)
 Fruit Notes:
Black (Summer; interesting, small, shiny black fruits)
 Ultimate Height:
40-60 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
40-60 feet
 Bloom Times:
 Fruiting Times:
 Light Requirements:
 Range:
Far East, Japan
 Maintenance:
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Alternate, simple, large star-shaped leaves up to 14" wide (slightly smaller on mature trees) give Kalopanax septemlobus a uniquely tropical appearance. Leaves resemble those of Castor Bean. Petiole often longer than blade. The coarse, club-like stems and the bark have numerous broad-based prickles.
 Ecological Functions:
  Special Characteristics:
  • Fast Growth Rate 229
  • Pest and/or Disease Resistant 96
  • Shade Tree 181
  • Specimen 630

    • Additional Information

    No disease or insect problems. Stout prickles could cause injury. Slight weediness via the seeds. Not common in commerce.

    When Kalopanax septemlobus has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Other plants like this Kalopanax septemlobus (Castor Aralia)

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