Henry-Aralia

Eleutherococcus henryi (el-ew-ther-oh-KOK-us HEN-ree-eye)

Family: Araliaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Henry-aralia is an upright, arching, ornamental, deciduous shrub native to China in the ginseng family (Araliaceae) that is found along forest edges, roadsides, or mountain slopes in its native habitat. It can grow up to 12 feet tall with stout stems and down-curved spines. The leaves are green, rough, coarse, and palmately compound with 5 leaflets. From July to September, tiny white flowers appear, arranged as terminal umbels. They are followed by round black berries that are persistent on the shrub. The genus name Eleutherococcus is derived from two Greek words: eleutheros , meaning free, and kokkos , meaning seed. This refers to the seed arrangement inside its fruit. The specific epithet, henryi, is in honor of Augustine Henry, a physician, botanist, and plant collector from Ireland. Prefers full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to various soils as long as they are moist and well-drained. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and pollution-tolerant. This shrub is slow-growing, dioecious (male and female plants), and produces suckers. Pruning is recommended annually, while rejuvenation pruning is recommended every 4 to 5 years. Henry-arlia is suitable as a border hedge or woodland site. This shrub and its seeds are rare and can be difficult to find. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect pests or diseases.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.