Aralia elata, the Japanese Angelica Tree, sharp spines all the way up grayish-silvery trunk. Spines decrease with age of tree. Similar to the native Devils walking stick, Aralia spinosa, and easily confused. This tree is a noxious invasive in North America, and is identified by the structure of the flower. Photographed in West Fairmount Park, January 24, 2013. www.thesanguineroot.com
