Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Aralia cordata is a large herbaceous perennial from Asia (Japan, Korea, China). 'Sun King' is a cultivar with bright chartreuse foliage.

We love Japanese spikenard because it is also edible! Known as "udo" in Japan, the species is foraged or cultivated for its edible young shoots, fleshy roots, and young leaves. Some people even grow udo under dark tunnels to alter the color and flavor (see white asparagus "blanching" method). It's a fascinating plant with a backstory worth exploring!