{"assessment":{"band":"Strong","factor_identity":{"basis":"approved shared identity","growth_habit_source":"USDA PLANTS","name_used":"Aralia spinosa"},"factor_scopes":{"bees":"Southeastern North America","birds":"North America","caterpillars":"Host genera of native Lepidoptera with established Georgia range; association and range overlap, not confirmed local feeding.","specialists":"Eastern North America","structure":"USDA species growth habit where matched; otherwise sourced atlas growth habit"},"factors":{"applied_insect_credit":0,"baseline_score":71,"composite":0.786,"insect_support":{"credit":0,"groups":{"ants":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Ants","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"},"beetles":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Beetles","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"},"flies":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Flies","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"},"moths_butterflies":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Adult butterflies / moths","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"},"other_hymenoptera":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Other wasps","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"},"other_insects":{"credit":0,"flower_visits":[],"label":"Other insects","recorded_name_count":null,"recorded_names":[],"seed_interactions":[],"status":"unknown"}},"interpretation":"One provisional point per additional documented insect group, capped at five. Flower visits are a resource-use proxy, not confirmed feeding or pollination. Missing evidence is unknown. Study volume and repeated records earn no extra credit.","maximum_credit":5,"version":"insect-support-1"},"pct":{"bees":0.847394540942928,"birds":0.8722084367245657,"caterpillars":0.8101736972704715,"specialists":0.4323821339950372,"structure":1},"rank_pct":0.764,"raw":{"bees":13,"birds":6,"caterpillars":13,"genus_used":null,"specialists":0,"structure":["Shrub","Tree"]}},"fit_score":null,"native_basis":"native_inferred","rarity_adjustment":0,"rarity_policy":"Conservation status is displayed separately and never changes ecological scores, including when unranked.","reason":"Calculated with the shared rules using Georgia host-range and shared ecological evidence.","reference":"NC native reference cohort, method 0.6.4; not a Georgia percentile","score":71,"scoring_inputs":{"harm_penalty":0,"invasive":false,"invasive_rank":null,"native":true,"state_rank":""},"source_ids":["lep_ga","globi","bigbee","avian","usdahabit","robertson","antseed"],"status":"scored_provisional","version":"shared-0.6.5"},"condition_evidence":{"light":{"evidence_id":"fact:4ef14a2ca57d7312819cc5b1072f8bf136459765655562f2204903b728c52a8f","levels":[2,3,4],"policy":"selected-condition-categories-1","range":[2,4],"scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"semantics":"source_light_categories_preserved_without_hour_conversion","source_field":"light","source_label":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"mapped_selected_fact"},"moisture":{"evidence_id":"fact:499221997b74fd524e680a0f28d4053c97b13d31406cb974e43bc42b42c6a17a","levels":[3],"policy":"selected-condition-categories-1","range":[3,3],"scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"semantics":"source_drainage_or_moisture_categories_preserved","source_field":"moisture_categories","source_label":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"mapped_selected_fact"}},"evidence":{"fit_score":null,"growth_habit":["Shrub","Tree"],"invasive_status":{"status":"unresolved"},"native_status":{"status":"native_inferred"},"occurrence":{"county_fips":["13015","13031","13043","13051","13059","13087","13089","13101","13103","13105","13127","13137","13141","13145","13169","13173","13183","13185","13189","13191","13241","13251","13275"],"meaning":"Recorded occurrence; not a county native-range assertion"},"quercus_score":null,"regional":{"county_fips":["13015","13031","13043","13051","13059","13087","13089","13101","13103","13105","13127","13137","13141","13145","13169","13173","13183","13185","13189","13191","13241","13251","13275"],"growth_habit":"tree","growth_habit_source":"tnky_atlas","invasive":null,"invasive_evidence":[],"invasive_rank":null,"native":true,"native_evidence":[{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"TN-KY","source":"tnky_atlas","url":"https://tennessee-kentucky.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/1227"},{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"L48","source":"usda","text":"L48:N","url":"https://plants.usda.gov/"},{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"NC","source":"nc_flora","url":"https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/"}],"native_status":"native_inferred","source_ids":["sernec:72607"],"source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_refs":["GA-checklist-1.html","sernec_county"],"source_url":"https://sernecportal.org/portal/checklists/checklist.php?clid=3416&pid=84","state_rank":null},"source_refs":["GA-checklist-1.html","sernec_county"],"source_url":"https://sernecportal.org/portal/checklists/checklist.php?clid=3416&pid=84","state_rank":{"value":null}},"fit_inputs":{"light":[2,4],"moisture":[3,3],"ph":[4.8,6.6]},"fit_provenance":{"counties":"USDA PLANTS: recorded in 40 NC counties","light":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","moisture":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","ph":"USDA PLANTS"},"fit_record":{"band":"Strong","condition_evidence":{"light":{"evidence_id":"fact:4ef14a2ca57d7312819cc5b1072f8bf136459765655562f2204903b728c52a8f","levels":[2,3,4],"policy":"selected-condition-categories-1","range":[2,4],"scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"semantics":"source_light_categories_preserved_without_hour_conversion","source_field":"light","source_label":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"mapped_selected_fact"},"moisture":{"evidence_id":"fact:499221997b74fd524e680a0f28d4053c97b13d31406cb974e43bc42b42c6a17a","levels":[3],"policy":"selected-condition-categories-1","range":[3,3],"scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"semantics":"source_drainage_or_moisture_categories_preserved","source_field":"moisture_categories","source_label":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"mapped_selected_fact"}},"county_fips":["13015","13031","13043","13051","13059","13087","13089","13101","13103","13105","13127","13137","13141","13145","13169","13173","13183","13185","13189","13191","13241","13251","13275","21009","21011","21013","21029","21033","21035","21043","21047","21053","21061","21063","21069","21075","21083","21085","21087","21093","21095","21105","21109","21111","21125","21129","21137","21139","21143","21147","21149","21151","21155","21163","21165","21171","21179","21185","21193","21195","21197","21199","21205","21207","21213","21217","21219","21221","21227","21233","21237","37017","37019","37021","37023","37027","37037","37039","37041","37047","37055","37061","37069","37073","37075","37077","37085","37087","37089","37091","37093","37095","37105","37113","37117","37129","37133","37135","37143","37147","37149","37155","37169","37171","37173","37175","37177","37183","37185","37187","37193","45001","45003","45007","45013","45015","45017","45019","45025","45037","45049","45051","45053","45055","45059","45061","45063","45069","45071","45073","45075","45077","45085","45087","45091","47005","47009","47015","47017","47019","47021","47027","47031","47035","47037","47041","47043","47047","47049","47051","47053","47055","47061","47065","47071","47075","47079","47083","47085","47087","47093","47103","47111","47115","47117","47119","47123","47125","47129","47133","47135","47137","47139","47143","47145","47147","47151","47153","47155","47157","47161","47165","47167","47171","47175","47185","47187","47189"],"fit_inputs":{"light":[2,4],"moisture":[3,3],"ph":[4.8,6.6]},"fit_note":"Shared sunlight, moisture and pH calculation; county geography is an additional layer. Missing source traits remain unknown.","fit_provenance":{"counties":"USDA PLANTS: recorded in 40 NC counties","light":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","moisture":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","ph":"USDA PLANTS"},"garden_suitability":{"default_excluded":false,"flags":[],"review_status":"not_assessed"},"invasive_rank":false,"native_eligible":true,"quercus_score":71,"state":"GA"},"garden_suitability":{"default_excluded":false,"flags":[],"review_status":"not_assessed"},"growing_observations":{"botanical_review_primary_flower_color":{"matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","review_decision":{"reason":"Single consistent approved flower-color category; explicit normalization of existing observation, not a fresh anatomical verification.","sources":["aralia-spinosa--usda"],"status":"reviewed","value":"white"},"review_note":"Single consistent approved flower-color category; explicit normalization of existing observation, not a fresh anatomical verification.","review_sources":[{"approved_for_correction":true,"evidence_kind":"existing_structured_source_observation","excerpt":"{\"flower_color\": \"White\"}","retrieved":"2026-09-24","sha256":null,"source_record_id":74685,"title":"USDA PLANTS","url":"https://plants.usda.gov/"}],"review_status":"reviewed","source_label":"USDA PLANTS","source_url":"https://plants.usda.gov/","values":{"primary_flower_color":"white"}},"floraquest_carolinas_georgia":{"matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","retrieved":"2026-10-04T13:31:16.252589+00:00","scope":{"kind":"region","region_id":"floraquest_nc_sc_ga"},"scope_note":"Original regional ecological and identification evidence; no location-specific gardening adjustments.","source_label":"FloraQuest: Carolinas, Georgia (Southeastern Flora Team)","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_record_id":6642,"source_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_url":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.emountainworks.android.southeastfieldguide","trait_evidence":[{"field":"habitat_description","source_column":"HabitatText","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":"Disturbed pocosins and bottomlands, disturbed areas, moist to dry forests and woodlands."},{"field":"geographic_range_description","source_column":"Description","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":"New Jersey west to s. Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, south to c. peninsular Florida and e. Texas."},{"field":"phenology_source_text","source_column":"Phenology","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":"Jun-Sep."},{"field":"taxonomic_synonymy","source_column":"Synonymy","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":"[= Ar, C, Can, F, Fl7, FNA13, G, GW2, Il, K1, K4, Mo2, NE, NS, NY, Ok, Pa, POWO, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3, Frodin & Govaerts (2003), Moore, Glenn, & Ma (2009), Smith (1944), Smith (1982a)]"},{"field":"botanical_comments","source_column":"Comments","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":"Smith (1982) discussed the juvenile (prickly) and adult (unarmed) leaf phases of A. spinosa ."},{"field":"heliophily_index","source_column":"HIndex","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":5},{"field":"regional_wetland_indicators","source_column":"WetlandStatus1..5","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"Organism","value":[{"source_column":"WetlandStatus1","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus2","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus3","value":"FACW"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus4","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus5","value":"FACU"}]},{"field":"habitat_moisture_categories","source_column":"Attr2","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"GraphicKey","value":["Dry","Moist"]},{"field":"habitat_light_categories","source_column":"Attr3","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"GraphicKey","value":["Partial shade","Full shade","Full sun"]},{"field":"graphic_key_source_attributes","source_column":"Attr0..25","source_database_sha256":"684f6b364ff9f3023aa61ed02ae50f6f6d6d4d3bcf76847b78ab769ae0453469","source_record_id":6642,"source_table":"GraphicKey","value":{"Attr0":"gr14","Attr1":"nc_cp,nc_mt,nc_pd,sc_cp,sc_mt,sc_pd,ga_cp,ga_mt,ga_pd,","Attr10":"6+,many","Attr11":"pin","Attr12":"unl","Attr13":"to","Attr14":"Bl14,Bl24,Bl9,BlC","Attr15":"lh,wh","Attr16":"n","Attr17":"rad","Attr18":"5","Attr19":"wh,ye","Attr2":"Dry,Moist","Attr20":"y","Attr21":"F2","Attr3":"Part,Shade,Sun","Attr3a":"y","Attr3a_subregion":"native_nc_cp:y,native_nc_mt:y,native_nc_pd:y,native_sc_cp:y,native_sc_mt:y,native_sc_pd:y,native_ga_cp:y,native_ga_mt:y,native_ga_pd:y,","Attr4":" 5-10","Attr5":"s,t","Attr6":"x","Attr7":"n","Attr8":"alt","Attr9":"com"}}],"values":{"botanical_comments":"Smith (1982) discussed the juvenile (prickly) and adult (unarmed) leaf phases of A. spinosa .","geographic_range_description":"New Jersey west to s. Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, south to c. peninsular Florida and e. Texas.","graphic_key_source_attributes":{"Attr0":"gr14","Attr1":"nc_cp,nc_mt,nc_pd,sc_cp,sc_mt,sc_pd,ga_cp,ga_mt,ga_pd,","Attr10":"6+,many","Attr11":"pin","Attr12":"unl","Attr13":"to","Attr14":"Bl14,Bl24,Bl9,BlC","Attr15":"lh,wh","Attr16":"n","Attr17":"rad","Attr18":"5","Attr19":"wh,ye","Attr2":"Dry,Moist","Attr20":"y","Attr21":"F2","Attr3":"Part,Shade,Sun","Attr3a":"y","Attr3a_subregion":"native_nc_cp:y,native_nc_mt:y,native_nc_pd:y,native_sc_cp:y,native_sc_mt:y,native_sc_pd:y,native_ga_cp:y,native_ga_mt:y,native_ga_pd:y,","Attr4":" 5-10","Attr5":"s,t","Attr6":"x","Attr7":"n","Attr8":"alt","Attr9":"com"},"habitat_description":"Disturbed pocosins and bottomlands, disturbed areas, moist to dry forests and woodlands.","habitat_light_categories":["Partial shade","Full shade","Full sun"],"habitat_moisture_categories":["Dry","Moist"],"heliophily_index":5,"phenology_source_text":"Jun-Sep.","regional_wetland_indicators":[{"source_column":"WetlandStatus1","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus2","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus3","value":"FACW"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus4","value":"FAC"},{"source_column":"WetlandStatus5","value":"FACU"}],"taxonomic_synonymy":"[= Ar, C, Can, F, Fl7, FNA13, G, GW2, Il, K1, K4, Mo2, NE, NS, NY, Ok, Pa, POWO, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3, Frodin & Govaerts (2003), Moore, Glenn, & Ma (2009), Smith (1944), Smith (1982a)]"}},"ncsu_sitemap":{"matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","retrieved":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Source-reported species characteristics; not a location-specific estimate.","source_label":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","trait_evidence":[{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"light","original_field":"light","record_id":"trait:0b8da00e61f90c9d58d5cdcbd5e168a8e7b634a29ef6ae62b400ec8d793f107d","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)","Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)"]},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"life_cycle","original_field":"life_cycle","record_id":"trait:204c432be4c49ee259f1de2a6b9b83cb8a01540537c353c2a5ed0bdeca933285","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["Woody"]},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"moisture_categories","original_field":"soil_moisture","record_id":"trait:2d651d140f419dab228b725324b7e1da4868f29e5dacfc14c027e83fb8b29813","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["Moist","Occasionally Wet"]},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"spread_description","original_field":"spread","record_id":"trait:2e0c6f00fb06680983ba114a2f4ab677a0b79131916c20f2561dc5ef4c049c42","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":{"max":10,"min":6,"unit":"feet"}},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"height_description","original_field":"height","record_id":"trait:2ed5375c648a7d8280e6b840ece097e5a90620ab46c51625a0c5931522866a46","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":{"max":35,"min":10,"unit":"feet"}},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"flower_color","original_field":"flower_color","record_id":"trait:49009be8e0a8130cff6358883820f1c851ed388761f279ec7c807507655504f6","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["Cream/Tan","White"]},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"hardiness_zones","original_field":"hardiness","record_id":"trait:c101db11d3731bd142c15f74788b97c43013f27a59d7189346179ecb96ac924a","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b"]},{"expected_source_name":"Aralia spinosa","field":"leaf_habit","original_field":"leaf_habit","record_id":"trait:c846cc850e3a1c799c960f3629acb8f249f33a9fb62cdef8ed63b0adec71ea89","retrieved_at":"2026-10-04T02:31:07.662616+00:00","scope":{"kind":"unspecified"},"scope_note":"Species profile; distribution and native-status discovery filters do not establish local growing or bloom timing.","source":"ncsu","source_name":"Aralia spinosa","source_sha256":"7b4c82c2a987b2a814dec5f383bddef38199fe9605ab4b5f8fba3535571cdcae","source_url":"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-spinosa/","status":"eligible_fact","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","value":["Deciduous"]}],"values":{"flower_color":["Cream/Tan","White"],"hardiness_zones":["4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b"],"height_description":"10–35 feet","leaf_habit":["Deciduous"],"life_cycle":["Woody"],"light":["Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)","Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)"],"moisture_categories":["Moist","Occasionally Wet"],"spread_description":"6–10 feet"}},"usda":{"matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","retrieved":"2026-09-24","scope":"Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary","source_label":"USDA PLANTS","source_url":"https://plants.usda.gov/","usda_id":74685,"values":{"bloom_season":"Early Summer","flower_color":"White","foliage_color":"Green","fruit_season_begin":"Summer","fruit_season_end":"Fall","growth_architecture":"Multiple Stem","growth_rate":"Moderate","height_ft":20,"leaf_retention":"No"}},"ut_smart_yards":{"identity_basis":"Exact scientific name; no new synonym guesses","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","modified":"2021-04-05T13:30:58+00:00","page_id":"10244","scope":"Published Tennessee growing guidance; exact cached scientific heading","source_label":"Tennessee Smart Yards","source_url":"https://tynnativeplants.wordpress.com/trees/scientific-name/devils-walkingstick-hercules-club-prickly-ash-angelica-tree/","values":{"light":["Full to part sun"],"moisture_categories":["medium"]}},"virginia_coastal":{"identity_basis":"Exact scientific name; no new synonym guesses","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","page":2,"retrieved":"2026-09-30T18:00:37.533960+00:00","row_top":591.8803,"scope":"Virginia regional planting chart; sunlight is a minimum requirement, moisture is low/moderate/high","source_label":"Virginia DCR Coastal Plain","source_sha256":"c7dc029781c9ba41743547b5b3234bbe1c4c027e3137534abdc4b4fe2cf39612","source_url":"https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/document/cp-nat-plants.pdf","values":{"light":["Partial sun (minimum requirement)"],"moisture_categories":["Moderate"]}},"virginia_piedmont":{"identity_basis":"Exact scientific name; no new synonym guesses","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","page":2,"retrieved":"2026-09-30T18:00:36.632111+00:00","row_top":597.9996,"scope":"Virginia regional planting chart; sunlight is a minimum requirement, moisture is low/moderate/high","source_label":"Virginia DCR Piedmont","source_sha256":"cb946fa6b7fa4ad5694d1debe04b04c392bc7389af2321eeab1ebcff381a5be3","source_url":"https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/document/pied-nat-plants.pdf","values":{"light":["Partial sun (minimum requirement)"],"moisture_categories":["Moderate"]}}},"light_range":["part shade","full sun"],"light_source":"NC Extension Plant Toolbox","native_synthesis":{"claims":[{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"TN-KY","source":"tnky_atlas","url":"https://tennessee-kentucky.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/1227"},{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"L48","source":"usda","text":"L48:N","url":"https://plants.usda.gov/"},{"claim":"native","matched_name":"Aralia spinosa","scope":"NC","source":"nc_flora","url":"https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/"}],"county_native_range":"unresolved","explanation":"Source scopes are preserved. State occurrence alone does not establish nativity; combined regional evidence is labeled estimated.","label":"Native to Georgia (estimated from combined sources)","rule":"southeast-native-synthesis-1","status":"native_inferred"},"source_name":"Aralia spinosa","taxon_id":"taxon:d0c9928a-6408-58e9-92a0-15153d00d9e8","revision":"publish:5809c037-0e9a-430a-8008-5ab6f69800c0","photos":[]}