Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Despite its rather exotic appearance, the tree aralia, Kalopanax septemlobus, is a hardy, deciduous and highly ornamental tree. The leaves of Kalopanax septemlobus are highly variable in terms of how lobed they are – some plants will have leaves that are very deeply lobed, whereas others will not.

As a relative of ivy, it produces pollinator-friendly flowers held in umbels, followed by black berries that attract birds. Stems are spiny when young, becoming less so as they mature. In gardens, it can either be left to grow into a large tree, or it can be cut back hard each year to produce larger leaves, as you can do with catalpa, cotinus and paulownia. In autumn, the leaves turn vivid shades of orange and yellow before falling.

For best results, grow Kalopanax septemlobus in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyes

Kalopanax and wildlife

Kalopanax is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Kalopanax poisonous?

Kalopanax has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Kalopanax septemlobus
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