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A distinguishing feature of the Aralia elata, is the presence of spikes which is reminiscent of Kalopanax pictus - Castor-leaved aralia which is also members of the Ginseng family
Japanese Angelica-Tree
Plant description below from
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/plants-to-watch.htm
Japanese angelica tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Federation. It occurs in Ontario, Canada and throughout much of the northeastern U.S. from New Hampshire south to Maryland and west to Michigan and Illinois. It also occurs in Oregon and Washington. It can grow to 30 ft. in height. It has prickly stems and large compound leaves that are 2 or 3 times pinnate. The leaf stalks and flower stalks may have prickles. The main lateral veins of the leaflets continue all the way to the teeth at the leaflet margin. Flowering occurs late July through August and fruits mature in August and September. Flowers are small and white and emerge from tips of stems in broad umbels 1-2 ft. across that lack a central stalk. Fruits are black and about 1/10 in. across. Angelica-tree is becoming increasingly common in the mid-Atlantic and should be watched and controlled as needed.
Related Plant Profile;
The following info, may be helpful in deciding between Aralia spinosa and Aralia elata.
Reference: New York Botanical Garden Mistaken Identity - Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes
| Aralia spinosa | Aralia elata |
| Main lateral veins branching and diminishin in size before reaching the leaf margin (smaller branching veins may run to the tips of teeth) | Main lateral veins running all the way to the tips of teeth at the leaf margin |
| Inflorescence longer, often 1-1.2 m long, with a distinct central axis (typically longer than wide, base usually elevated above foliage) | Inflorescence shorter, typically 30-60 cm long, and without a distinct central axis (often wider than long, with base usually surrounded by and even overtopped by foliage) |
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