Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (Araliaceae) Angelica Tree or Japanese Angelica Tree Native of Japan and adjacent parts of north-east Asia, growing in thin woodland and thickets at low altitudes. Forming a large deciduous shrub or small tree up to 10 m, it is notably sparsely branched with stout shoots that are conspicuous in the winter. In cultivation, the leaves seldom colour as well in the autumn as those of the wild plant illustrated. The cultivar 'Variegata' has leaflets with broad creamy-white margins. Acid soil; part shade. Hardy to -15°C. Zone 4.