Tender Edible Shoots
Produces young shoots that are traditionally harvested and cooked as a vegetable.
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Mountain Asparagus, commonly known as Udo or Japanese Spikenard, is a perennial plant grown for its tender young shoots and attractive large leaves. Native to East Asia, it is valued as a traditional vegetable in Japanese cuisine. It grows well in partially shaded garden areas with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Produces young shoots that are traditionally harvested and cooked as a vegetable.
Develops attractive, broad compound foliage that adds texture to garden spaces.
Grows as a perennial plant, producing new shoots from its established root system.
Prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil for healthy growth.
| Scientific Name | Aralia cordata |
| Common Name | Mountain Asparagus; Udo; Japanese Spikenard |
| Plant Family | Araliaceae |
| Seed Type | Perennial Vegetable Seeds |
| Growth Habit | Upright herbaceous perennial |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Flower Color | Creamy white |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4–8, depending on growing conditions |
| Planting Season | Spring, following suitable seed preparation |
| Seed Starting | Fresh seeds can be sown promptly; stored seeds require cold stratification |
| Germination Time | Approximately 1–4 months under suitable conditions after stratification |
| Germination Temperature | Around 68°F after appropriate cold stratification |
| Sunlight | Partial shade to light shade |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Mature Plant Size | Approximately 4–8 feet tall, depending on growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 3–4 feet apart |
Mountain Asparagus is a distinctive perennial valued for its tender edible shoots and attractive foliage. With fertile soil, partial shade, and regular moisture, it can become a productive addition to suitable vegetable and perennial gardens.
Find useful information about Mountain Asparagus Seeds, seed germination, and harvesting.
Mountain Asparagus is the common name for Aralia cordata, also called Udo or Japanese Spikenard. Unlike regular asparagus, which belongs to the Asparagus genus, Udo is an Aralia plant grown for its tender young shoots and large foliage.
Fresh seeds can be sown promptly, while stored seeds generally require 3–5 months of cold stratification. After preparation, sow them in a suitable growing medium and maintain consistent moisture. Germination can take several weeks to months.
Harvest tender young shoots in spring when they emerge from established plants. Cut suitable young shoots carefully before they become tough. Udo shoots are traditionally cooked in Japanese dishes, and proper food preparation is recommended before consumption.