noun
castor aralia; prickly castor oil tree
A deciduous tree native to East Asia, known for its large leaves and prickly young branches. The wood is used for furniture and the young shoots are edible.
See also: 針桐
センノキの若芽は山菜として食べられる。
The young shoots of the castor aralia are eaten as wild vegetables.
公園に大きなセンノキが植えてある。
A large castor aralia is planted in the park.
Synonym for the same tree (Kalopanax septemlobus); ハリギリ is more common in some regions.
The name センノキ is of uncertain origin. The kanji 栓 (sen, 'plug' or 'cork') may refer to the use of its wood for making plugs or stoppers, but this is not confirmed.