American Angelica-tree
Aralia spinosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Aralia spinosa is a native deciduous tree found across the eastern United States, blooming with white flower clusters from July through September. This spiny-stemmed species attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.
American Angelica-tree is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
American Angelica-tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–480" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American angelica-tree is a small native tree with tropical-looking compound leaves and distinctive spiny stems. It produces large clusters of white flowers in summer followed by dark berries, creating a bold architectural presence in the landscape.
Growing American Angelica-tree
Grow American Angelica-tree in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Angelica-tree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sharp thorns on stems pose safety concerns
- Suckers aggressively and can look unkempt
- Unusual appearance may be considered too wild for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth.
The abundant summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, while the berries provide food for birds. This tree serves as a host plant for several native moth species.
Common questions
- When does Aralia spinosa bloom?
- Aralia spinosa blooms from July through September, producing large clusters of small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit American Angelica-tree?
- Aralia spinosa attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant summer flowers, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations.
- Where is Aralia spinosa native?
- American Angelica-tree is native to 23 states across the eastern United States, from Texas and Florida north to Pennsylvania and west to Iowa and Missouri.
- What growing conditions does Aralia spinosa prefer?
- This adaptable tree tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils, though it performs best with medium moisture.
- Is American Angelica-tree toxic to dogs?
- Yes. American Angelica-tree is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Angelica-tree toxic to cats?
- Yes. American Angelica-tree is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Angelica-tree toxic to livestock?
- American Angelica-tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is American Angelica-tree HOA-friendly?
- American Angelica-tree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like American Angelica-tree and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.