Aralia cordata

Aralia cordata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Aralia
Species:
A. cordata
Binomial name
Aralia cordata

Aralia cordata is an upright herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) in height, native to Japan, Korea, Russian Far East, and eastern China. Its common names include spikenard,[1] herbal aralia,[2] udo (from Japanese: ウド),[3] Japanese spikenard,[3] and mountain asparagus.[3] It is commonly found on the slopes of wooded embankments. Aralia cordata is a species of Aralia in the family Araliaceae.

The plant yields new shoots every spring, which are blanched and then eaten as a vegetable. In Korea, the dried root of the plant has been traditionally used as medicine. The young shoots have a strong yet pleasant distinct aromatic flavor. In addition to food and medicinal use, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental.[3]

  1. ^ "Taxon: Aralia cordata Thunb". GRIN. National Plant Germplasm System. 11 February 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  2. ^ "Aralia cordata Thunb". Ulleung Natural Plant. Ulleung County. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d Kitsteiner, John (November 25, 2013). "Permaculture Plants: Udo". Temperate Climate Permaculture. TCpermaculture.com. Retrieved 2013-12-07.