Udo (Aralia cordata)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Aralia cordata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild and agreeable flavour. — Young branched shoots - cooked or raw.; They can be up to 1.5 metres long and have a mild and agreeable flavour.; They are usually blanched and are crisp and tender with a unique lemon-like flavour.; They can be sliced and added to salads, soups etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets and thin woods, esp. by streams and ravines, all over Japan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)