🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Edible shoots and young leaves are harvested in spring, offering a unique asparagus-like flavor. The root is also traditionally used medicinally. Can be used as a chop-and-drop mulch or biomass accumulator in a permaculture system. Provides habitat for beneficial insects. Cultivars like 'Sun King' offer ornamental value and slightly different flavor profiles.
Permapeople description
Aralia cordata is a species of flowering plant in the Araliaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, and China. It is commonly known as Japanese spikenard, Udo, or mountain asparagus.
Botanical description
Aralia cordata is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Japan, Korea, and China. It grows to a height of 1–2 meters (3–7 feet) tall, with large bipinnate leaves up to 1 meter (3 feet) long and broad. The flowers are small, white, and produced in large compound umbels. The fruit is a small black drupe. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun. The plant spreads via rhizomes, forming colonies over time.
Companion planting
Generally a good neighbor. Benefits from shade provided by taller plants. Avoid planting near aggressive spreaders that may outcompete it.
Propagation methods
Seed sowing (requires stratification), rhizome division in spring or fall, root cuttings.
History and traditions
In Japan, Udo has been cultivated as a vegetable for centuries. It is traditionally blanched to reduce bitterness. The root has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In some cultures, it is believed to have purifying qualities.
Usage calendar
Shoots harvested in spring (April-May). Flowers bloom in summer (July-August). Seeds mature in fall (September-October). Rhizome division best done in spring or fall. Pruning to control size and shape in late winter or early spring.