Family - Araliaceae

Stems - To +/- 10m tall, woody, with spines or prickles.

Node

Leaves - Large, to 1m long, bipinnately compound. The leaflets toothed, ovate.

Inflorescence - Large, +30cm wide, +30cm tall, many flowered.

Flowers - Small, white. Petals distinct, 5, reflexed. Sepals 5.

Fruits - Black when mature, 5-8mm in diameter.

Flowering - July - September.

Habitat - Moist soils, woods, wooded slopes. Sometimes cultivated.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Photograph taken at Kansas City Zoo, 6-24-99, and at Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC., 9-1-02.