Question: Good afternoon! Could you please take a look at this plant? Woody sapling, stem armored with spines. (I apologize for …
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Question
Good afternoon! Could you please take a look at this plant? Woody sapling, stem armored with spines. (I apologize for the poor phone pictures). Leaves are 5 lobed and toothed. Coastal area of Everett, MA above the high tide line. Thank you!
Answer
Dear KDC, your plant is Kalopanax septemlobus (castor-aralia), a non-native member of the Apiaceae (celery family) related to the genus Aralia (sarsaparilla). The alternate, palmately lobed leaves and stems with stout armature are good identifying marks for this species.
